Robert Hyatt was an American actor, writer and director who appeared in many films and TV shows from the 1940s to the 1970s. He was best known for playing iconic literary characters such as Tiny Tim in The Christmas Carol, Gavroche in Les Miserables and Tom Sawyer in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He also wrote and directed several movies, including Every Girl Should Have One, Alien Seed and Deadly Ransom. However, his life was cut short by a deadly disease that claimed his life in 2007. What was the cause of death of Robert Hyatt, and how did he cope with his illness? Here is a brief overview of his life and career, as well as the tragic circumstances of his demise.
Early Life and Career
Robert Hyatt was born as Robert James Hyatt on December 29, 1939 in Los Angeles, California. He started his acting career at a very young age, when he was picked by Cary Grant out of a group of babies at MGM for his first movie role. He then appeared in many films as a child actor, working with stars such as Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, James Stewart and Audrey Hepburn. He also starred in several TV shows, such as The Adventures of Superman, Lassie, The Lone Ranger and The Twilight Zone.
As he grew older, he transitioned to adult roles, and also ventured into writing and directing. He wrote and directed his first feature film, Every Girl Should Have One, in 1978, starring Zsa Zsa Gabor, Robert Alda and Alice Faye. He then worked as a writer and associate producer for 20th Century-Fox/TV, developing a movie-of-the-week called Super 8. He also entered the music business as an artist manager and music publisher, traveling the US and Europe on concert tours.
Later Years and Illness
In the 1980s and 1990s, Hyatt continued to write and direct films, exploring various genres such as sci-fi, thriller, documentary and drama. He became the first American director to make an all-Vietnamese cast and Vietnamese-language feature film, Lost Paradise, in 1993. He also produced, wrote and directed Deadly Ransom in 1998, starring Francesco Quinn and Brion James. In 1999, he sold his seventh screenplay, Night of the Woman Child, to American Media Group. In 2001, he wrote and directed Dead Man’s Run, starring John Savage , Joe Lara and Trevor Goddard.
However, Hyatt’s health began to deteriorate in the early 2000s. He was diagnosed with cancer, a disease that had taken the lives of his parents and siblings. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but they were not effective enough to stop the progression of the cancer. He also suffered from depression and anxiety due to his condition.
Death and Legacy
Robert Hyatt died on September 27, 2007 at Port Hueneme, California. He was 67 years old. The cause of death was cancer, according to IMDb. He was survived by his wife Linda Hyatt, whom he married in 1965.
Robert Hyatt left behind a legacy of films and TV shows that showcased his talent and versatility as an actor, writer and director. He also inspired many people with his courage and perseverance in facing his illness. He was remembered by his fans and colleagues as a talented and kind-hearted person who loved his craft.
