Key Points

Will Hutchins, the beloved actor best known for his role in Sugarfoot, has died at 94. His wife Barbara fondly recalled his humor and charm. Hutchins also starred alongside Elvis Presley in two films and appeared in classic sitcoms. He leaves behind a legacy of wholesome, memorable performances.

Key Points: Will Hutchins Dies at 94 Star of Sugarfoot and Elvis Films

  • Played Tom Brewster in 1957-61 Western Sugarfoot
  • Starred in Elvis films Spinout and Clambake
  • Married twice, survived by wife Barbara and daughter Jennifer
  • Also known for sitcoms Hey Landlord and Blondie
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Veteran actor Will Hutchins passes away at 94

Veteran actor Will Hutchins, known for Sugarfoot and Elvis movies, passes away at 94. His wife Barbara remembers his humor and charm.

"He was hysterical, everyone loved him. He had a great sense of humor, and it never gave up on him. - Barbara Hutchins"

Los Angeles, April 22

Veteran actor Will Hutchins has passed away. He was 94.

Hutchins, who rose to fame by portraying wholesome sharpshooter and frontier lawyer Tom Brewster on the 1957-61 ABC Western Sugarfoot, died on Monday of respiratory failure at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York,

Remembering her husband, Barbara told The Hollywood Reporter, "He was hysterical, everyone loved him. He had a great sense of humor, and it never gave up on him."

Hutchins also starred as Woody Banner, who inherits a Manhattan brownstone from his uncle, on the 1966-67 NBC sitcom Hey, Landlord, created by Garry Marshall and Jerry Belson, fresh off their work on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Two years later, the blue-eyed Los Angeles native played Dagwood Bumstead opposite Patricia Harty on the 1968-69 CBS comedy Blondie. Based on the comic strip and following a set of films and a 1957 NBC series, it lasted just 16 episodes before being canceled.

On the big screen, Hutchins appeared opposite Elvis Presley in two movies: as the gourmet cop Tracy Richards (the name was a Dick Tracy pun) in Spinout (1966) and as buddy Tom Wilson in Clambake (1967), in which he lip-synced "Who Needs Money?" in a duet with the star.

He married Barbara, his second wife, in April 1988. He had a daughter, Jennifer, with his first wife, Chrissie Burnett, younger half-sister of Carol Burnett; they were married from 1965-69.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

M
Martha T.
What a legend! I grew up watching Sugarfoot reruns with my grandpa. His performances brought so much joy to multiple generations. Rest in peace, Mr. Hutchins. 💙
J
James K.
His chemistry with Elvis in those movies was fantastic. "Who Needs Money?" is still one of my favorite musical moments from that era. A true entertainer who left us with wonderful memories.
S
Sarah L.
While I appreciate his contributions to television, I always felt his talent was somewhat underutilized in later years. That said, 94 is an incredible run - what a life well lived!
R
Robert P.
My dad worked as an extra on Hey, Landlord and always said Will was the nicest guy on set - always had time for everyone. That's the mark of a true professional. Condolences to his family.
T
Tina M.
The part about his sense of humor never giving up on him really got me. What a beautiful way to be remembered. 😊

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