Barbara Hale and Alan Hale are two famous actors who have appeared in many classic movies and TV shows. Barbara Hale is best known for her role as Della Street, the loyal secretary of Perry Mason, in the long-running series of the same name. Alan Hale is best known for his role as the Skipper, the jovial captain of the S.S. Minnow, in the popular sitcom Gilligan’s Island. But are these two stars related by blood or by marriage? The answer is no, they are not related at all.
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How the Rumor Started
The rumor that Barbara Hale and Alan Hale are related might have originated from their similar last names and their frequent appearances in similar genres of entertainment. Both actors starred in many Westerns, comedies, and adventure films, often playing sidekicks or supporting characters to the main heroes. They also shared some co-stars, such as Errol Flynn, James Cagney, and Bette Davis.
Another possible source of confusion is that Alan Hale had a son who was also an actor and who used the same name as his father. Alan Hale Jr., who was born in 1921, followed his father’s footsteps and became a successful character actor in Hollywood. He also played the Skipper in Gilligan’s Island, inheriting the role from his father who died in 1950. Alan Hale Jr. was not related to Barbara Hale either.
The Real Family Backgrounds of Barbara Hale and Alan Hale
Barbara Hale was born in 1922 in DeKalb, Illinois, to Wilma and Luther Hale, who were of Scottish-Irish ancestry. She had one sister named Juanita. She attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and started her career as a model before moving to Hollywood in 1943. She married actor Bill Williams in 1946 and had three children with him: Jody, Juanita, and William Katt. William Katt also became an actor and starred in The Greatest American Hero and several Perry Mason TV movies with his mother.
Alan Hale was born in 1892 in Washington, D.C., as Rufus Edward McKahan. He studied to be an opera singer before pursuing a career in theater and film. He adopted the stage name Alan Hale in 1914 and became a leading man in silent films. He married Gretchen Hartman in 1914 and had three children with her: Alan Jr., Karen, and Rufus. He died in 1950 from liver cancer.
Conclusion
Barbara Hale and Alan Hale are not related by blood or by marriage. They are two different actors who happened to share a common surname and a passion for acting. They both left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a loyal fan base that still enjoys their work today.
