Jim Hutton was a popular American actor who starred in several films and TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s. He is best remembered for his role as Ellery Queen, the brilliant detective and mystery writer, in the TV series of the same name. He was also known for his screen partnership with Paula Prentiss in four romantic comedies, starting with Where the Boys Are. He was the father of Oscar-winning actor Timothy Hutton. But how did Jim Hutton die? What was his cause of death? And what happened to his career and family? Here is the tragic story of a Hollywood star who died too young.
Early Life and Career
Jim Hutton was born on May 31, 1934, in Binghamton, New York, as Dana James Hutton. His parents divorced when he was an infant, and he never knew his father. He grew up with his mother and grandmother, who encouraged his interest in acting and writing. He was a bright but rebellious student, who was expelled from several high schools and a boarding school due to his behavior problems. He earned a scholarship in journalism from Syracuse University, but was kicked out after driving a bulldozer through a bed of tulips while drunk. He then enrolled at Niagara University, where he pursued an acting career. He performed in summer stock and won state oratory competitions. He moved to New York City in 1955, where he became a “beatnik” and struggled to find acting work.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1956 and starred in over 40 Army training films before going to Berlin to serve in special services. He founded the American Community Theater by renovating theaters abandoned during World War II. He established the first English-speaking theater in Berlin. He was performing in a play there when he was spotted by film director Douglas Sirk, who offered him a small role in his film A Time to Love and a Time to Die (1958). Hutton made his film debut as a neurotic German soldier who commits suicide. Universal Studios saw his performance and offered him a long-term contract.
Hollywood Success
Hutton moved to Hollywood in 1959 and quickly became a rising star. He appeared in several films, such as The Subterraneans (1960), Bachelor in Paradise (1961), The Horizontal Lieutenant (1962), Period of Adjustment (1962), Sunday in New York (1963), The Hallelujah Trail (1965), Walk Don’t Run (1966), The Green Berets (1968), and The Hellfighters (1968). He often played charming, witty, and handsome characters who were popular with young audiences. He was regarded as Jimmy Stewart’s replacement by some critics.
He also had a successful partnership with actress Paula Prentiss, whom he met on the set of Where the Boys Are (1960), a hit comedy about college students on spring break. They had great chemistry on screen and became good friends off screen. They co-starred in three more films: Bachelor in Paradise (1961), The Horizontal Lieutenant (1962), and What’s New Pussycat? (1965). They were considered one of the most attractive and funny couples in Hollywood.
Hutton also ventured into television, where he found his most memorable role as Ellery Queen, the son of a police inspector who solves mysteries with his deductive skills and flair for writing. The show Ellery Queen ran from 1975 to 1976 and was based on the novels by Frederic Dannay and Manfred Lee. Hutton received an Emmy nomination for his performance and gained a loyal fan base.
Personal Life and Family
Hutton married twice and had three children. His first wife was Maryline Poole, whom he married in 1958 and divorced in 1963. They had two children: Heidi Hutton, born in 1959, and Timothy Hutton, born in 1960. Timothy followed his father’s footsteps and became an actor, winning an Oscar for his debut role in Ordinary People (1980). Heidi also worked as an actress for a while before becoming a therapist.
Hutton’s second wife was Lynni M. Solomon, whom he married in 1970 and divorced in 1973. They had one daughter: Rebecca Punch Hutton, born in 1971. Rebecca became a journalist and editor for Vanity Fair magazine.
Hutton had a close relationship with his children, especially Timothy, whom he encouraged to pursue acting. He also supported Timothy’s decision to live with him after his parents’ divorce. He taught him how to play chess, guitar, piano, and harmonica. He also introduced him to literature, music, art, and cinema.
Cause of Death
Hutton’s career declined in the late 1970s due to the changing tastes of the audiences and the lack of good roles for him. He also suffered from alcoholism and depression. He tried to make a comeback with a TV movie called The Young Runaways (1978), where he played a social worker who helps troubled teens. He also appeared in a few episodes of The Love Boat and Fantasy Island.
However, his comeback was cut short by his diagnosis of liver cancer in April 1979. He had only four weeks to live. He died on June 2, 1979, just two days after his 45th birthday, at the Los Angeles New Hospital. He was cremated and a portion of his ashes were interred at the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Hutton’s death was a shock to his family, friends, and fans. He was remembered as a talented and charismatic actor who had a promising career and a warm personality. He left behind a legacy of films and TV shows that are still enjoyed by many people today.
