December 30, 2003
Earl Hindman
Earl Hindman, an actor who was best known for playing the eccentric and obscure neighbor on the ABC show, "Home Improvement," died on Dec. 29 from lung cancer. He was 61.
After studing acting at the University of Arizona, Hindman moved to New York City to break into show business. He appeared in several on- and off-Broadway plays including "Dark of the Moon" and "The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel."
Hindman spent a decade playing police detective Bob Reid on the soap opera, "Ryan's Hope," and made numerous guest appearances on TV shows like "Spenser: For Hire," "The Equalizer" and "Law & Order."
But he achieved a unique type of fame in the long-running sitcom, "Home Improvement" playing next-door neighbor Wilson. In this role, Hindman gave folksy advice to Tim "The Toolman" Taylor (played by Tim Allen), but never showed his face to the camera. Instead, he was always hidden behind fences and carefully positioned props so that only his eyes and forehead were visible to the audience.
For his recent work in "Julius Caesar" at the Theatre for a New Audience in New York, Hindman won the Actor's Equity Callaway Prize for best performance in a professional production of a classic play. The award was to be presented on Jan. 9.
Posted on December 30, 2003 3:05 PMyou will miss to me
i'll remember u forever
Posted by lucal83 on January 2, 2004 2:55 PMI would love to say that We will miss you very much and we would like to be able to see some of the shows that you played in my Dad loved watching your show we watched it every chance that we get
Posted by heather on January 3, 2004 8:39 PMTe recordare por siempre "Wilson".
Posted by solis on January 18, 2004 12:11 AMI remember Earl well from "Ryan's Hope," which I used to watch when home sick from junior high school. I always thought it one of the best soaps ever, and Mr. Hindman one of the best actors on daytime TV. A gentle giant.
Posted by Don on January 23, 2004 5:57 PMThough I never relly became that familiar with Earl proior to his part as Wilson on Home Improvement, I will always remember and respect him for being a most fabulous character, talented performer and valuable contributor to, without a doubt, the finest television series ever produced. May God Bless him, his family and the fans and cast he leaves behind.
Posted by Rob Waddell on January 27, 2004 2:29 AMI'd like to represent the people from around the world who really admired you on Home Improvement. The world has lost a fine actor. Rest in Peace
Posted by anjali nair on February 22, 2004 6:46 PMI watch Ryan's Hope on Soap Opera Network, I felt and still feel you were one of the best actors. God bless your family.
Posted by Roxann Levitsky on August 11, 2004 2:29 PMAlong with some good frineds, Earl use to show up at the local Mexican resturaunt and throw back a few cold ones. Earl you where funny and loved by all of us, it was a pleasure to have known you. When Earl moved back east after the show closed the locals through a going away party for Earl (although) I didnt make it, I heard it was great, and YES when the group photo was shot Earl did find the back yard fence to project the simple image that made him so famous. RIP my friend...
Posted by Chip Grant on December 19, 2004 9:55 AMA bit late, but I must say that Earl's role in Home Improvement was a lot of fun and he played the part so well. I miss him and I miss the show.
Rest in peace.
Posted by John Irving on April 14, 2005 6:29 PMThis is a bit late but i thought you were excellent in Home Improvement especially the way your and tim allen connected on and off the set. Rest in Peace.
Posted by Andrew Machell on April 26, 2005 4:23 PMEarl played my father in a production of Cymbeline which we performed in New York and for a month in Stratford upon Avon. He helped me become a better actor and through his caustic wit he made me laugh harder than just about anyone I have known.
peace.
sooo.. i know that i dont have much to say concidering i dont know you haha . but you were one of the greatest actors.. i followd your entire career. and its such a shame that you had to pass so early. i my self want to become an actor.. and i bass my learing off of you.
Posted by megann on December 7, 2005 5:15 PMLooks like Wilson played the same person inside or outside TV studios. I will remember you too Earl. Rest in peace.
Posted by oscar carrillo velazquez on March 28, 2006 9:56 PMearl hinman was a great actor n he was a great person even though i dont know him i think he was a great man
Posted by troy coalwood on May 1, 2007 8:53 PMI have just found out 'bout his death.I will always miss him becose I am a really great fan oh HI and was shocked when I found out.
We will always miss you.
R.I.P my freind i have met this actor and i have seen all his shows and i have just found out today 6.6.07 and i am realy gutted becouse i did know him well and i hope to see you in heaven
Posted by jordan on June 7, 2007 7:21 AMI havr really enjoyed your work Earl, you will always be a legend, God Bless You x x
Posted by abi on July 26, 2007 10:48 AMYou'll always be remembered and in our hearts Mr.Hindman... May you rest in peace. 1Love
Posted by Nam Dang on December 13, 2007 9:27 PMGrowing up, listening to "Wilsons" messages to Tim on home improvement I beleive taught me a lot and still does when I watch the show. You will be missed!
Joe
Posted by Joe on January 5, 2008 7:10 PMdear earl.
we just saw your whole face for the first time. you are awesome. r.i.p. we are eating raw pasta as we think of you *single tear slides down cheek and on to pasta* mmmmm salty. love your hat in home improvement. hidy-ho to you to:(
wilson, earl, actor, friend. We will all miss you, why must all good things come to an end?
I Love Home Improvement I also love Earl hindman on Home Improvment !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by jackie jordan on July 30, 2008 9:40 AMEarl, I admire you work. R.I.P., a great actor.
Posted by Brandon on October 27, 2008 11:51 PMYou were an innovator,a man who made a trend and stuck with it all the way to the end,and nobody will ever forget who you were.RIP Earl hindman and home improvement,you'll be sorley missed!
Posted by micko on November 15, 2008 8:08 AMWilson was the best character on the show, obviously!
Posted by Jimmy on December 14, 2008 12:46 PMearl you were the best everyone will never forget you
Posted by reagan on December 15, 2008 7:40 PM