Darryl Hickman had a varied career in Hollywood which began at a young age, before his death at 92.
The family of Darryl Hickman has confirmed that the former child actor-turned-producer passed away on May 22. Born in 1931, Hickman made his Hollywood debut at a very young age in the 1937 release, The Prisoner of Zenda, and went on to notch up more than 40 movie appearances by 1951.
Family confirms death of actor Darryl Hickman, aged 92
In a varied, long-winded career that spanned several decades, Hickman fell in and out of love of the entertainment industry, as he navigated the tricky life of being a former child actor.
Having racked up more appearances by the age of 20 than most actors do throughout their careers, Hickman was said to be, understandably, weathered by the industry at a young age. So much so, the dejected star left the big screen temporarily to join a monastery. Though his time at the monastery didn’t last long, the majority of Hickman’s on-screen appearances came before 1955, with the Californian mainly focusing on behind-the-screen matters from then onwards.
Having written for NBC in the 1960s, Hickman spent the 70s in New York working as a producer on the CBS soap opera, Love of Life, before running the network’s daytime scheduling. Hickman spoke openly about the toll his early entrance into the industry had taken on him and the therapy he went through to deal with it – publishing a book about his experience in the industry, The Unconscious Actor, in 2007.
Hickman’s older brother, Dwayne, was also a successful actor and producer, and passed away in January 2022. Hickman was married once, to actress Pamela Lincoln – though the pair divorced in 1982, before losing Justin, the youngest of their two sons, to suicide in 1985.
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Tributes paid to ‘brilliant’ former child star
Taking to Twitter (X) to react to the news, cinema buff Alan K. Rode wrote: “Deeply saddened by the death of Darryl Hickman whom I got to know a bit and spend some time with.”
“A brilliant actor, executive and teacher who was extremely kind to me in sharing his professional experiences. He’ll be sorely missed. Sincerest condolences to his wife and family.”
Film critic Raquel Stecher also paid tribute to the late star, writing: “God speed Darryl Hickman. Meeting him at TCMFF (Turner Classic Movies Film Festival) was one of my greatest joys.
“He was the last surviving cast member of many fine films, and their legacy goes with him. May he rest in peace.”
Paying tribute to one of Hickman’s most celebrated performances, a fan added: “Rest in peace to Darryl Hickman, child star of dozens of incredible classic movies.
“His filmography beyond impressive, but he’ll always be remembered for his iconic scene in LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN (‘46).”
No cause of death has been publicized at the time of writing.
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