Alan Hale Sr.
A quintessential Hollywood character actor whose jovial, burly presence lit up over 200 films, most famously as Errol Flynn's loyal companion.
1892–1950 (age 58)·American actor·Birthday: February 10·The Lost Generation
Biography
With a booming laugh and a physique that suggested a friendly bear, Alan Hale Sr. became one of the most familiar and beloved faces of Hollywood's studio era. He began his career in silent films, often playing villains or rough-hewn types, but found his true calling with the advent of talkies. His gregarious personality and robust frame made him the perfect foil for swashbuckling heroes. His partnership with Errol Flynn was cinematic gold; he played Little John to Flynn's Robin Hood, and served as the steadfast first mate to Flynn's sea captain in multiple adventures. Hale's genius was in making supporting roles feel essential, bringing warmth and hearty comic relief to films starring everyone from Cary Grant to Humphrey Bogart. For four decades, he was a steady, welcome presence, the kind of actor who made movies feel richer simply by being in them.
The Lost Generation
1883–1900
Came of age during World War I. Disillusioned by the carnage, they rejected the certainties of the Victorian era and built modernism from the wreckage — in art, literature, and politics.
Alan was born in 1892, placing them squarely in The Lost Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1892
Alan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1892Born
President: Benjamin Harrison
1897Started school
President: William McKinley
1905Became a teenager
Einstein publishes the theory of special relativity
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1908Could drive
Ford Model T goes into production
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1910Could vote
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1913Turned 21
The Federal Reserve is established
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Turned 30
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1932Turned 40
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1942Turned 50
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1950Died at 58
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
Key Achievements
- Appeared in over 235 films during a career spanning from the silent era to the 1950s.
- Portrayed Little John in three separate film adaptations of Robin Hood, most famously opposite Errol Flynn in 1938.
- Was a frequent and iconic screen partner to Errol Flynn, appearing with him in nine major films.
- Successfully transitioned from silent film character roles to becoming a major supporting player in the sound era.
Did You Know?
His son, Alan Hale Jr., found fame playing The Skipper on the television series 'Gilligan's Island'.
He directed three feature films in the early 1930s, including 'The Last Parade'.
He played the same character, Little John, in three different decades: 1922, 1938, and 1950.
Despite often playing older, rustic types, he was only in his mid-40s when he played Little John opposite Errol Flynn.
“A good, hearty laugh is worth a hundred thousand groans in any market.”
