Patricia Ann “Pat” Bonebreak, 85, of Williamsburg, passed away Friday morning at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Thomas E. and Kathryn G. (Hall) Bonebreak. Surviving are her twin sister, Ellen M. Estus of Wilmington, Del.; a niece, Elizabeth “Libby” Austin (Michael); three nephews: Christopher Estus (Pat), Jon A. Jr. […]
John S. Bowes, 105, lifelong resident of Clinton County, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Celebration Villa in State College. John was born in Lock Haven on Oct
Rita Caprio Stabley, 91, of Mill Hall, passed away on Easter Sunday at her home, surrounded by family and holding the hand of her lifelong sweetheart, Jim. T
If you were to look at a picture of Hal Holbrook without knowing who he was, you might not immediately tag him as an actor. With his blandly handsome and strait-laced appearance, he gave off the appearance of someone who was the head of the local Rotary club or maybe a mid-level government functionary. However, when Holbrook opened his mouth, there was no doubt that he was born to be an actor, and he proved to be an unusually gifted one in an award-winning career that spanned more than seven decades. He played everything from historical figures to ordinary guys to equally convincing effect, and, in one memorable case, brought one of the great enigmas of our time to vivid life.
Hal Holbrook, Known For His Mark Twain Portrayal, Dies At 95
The Cleveland-born Holbrook began portraying the Southern author in the one-man show
Mark Twain Tonight! in 1954, while he was studying at Lock Haven State Teachers College. The show traveled around the country, and eventually around the world. In 1967,
Mark Twain Tonight! was broadcasted on CBS. He received an Emmy for his performance, which captured Twain s signature drawl and acerbic wit.
Interestingly enough, Holbrook was only 29 when he began playing 70-year-old Twain, and would continue to embody him well into his 80s. It wasn’t until September 2017 that Holbrook officially announced his one-man show’s retirement. He resigned in a letter to an Oklahoma theater where he was scheduled to perform. “I know it must end, this long effort to do a good job,” he wrote. “I have served my trade, gave it my all, heart and soul, as a dedicated actor can.”