Earl John Hindman (/ˈhaɪndmən/; October 20, 1942  – December 29, 2003)^[1] was an American actor, best known for his role on the television sitcom Home Improvement, which ran from 1991 to 1999. Hindman played the role of the kindly unseen neighbor Wilson W. Wilson, Jr.; more accurately, Wilson was partially seen, because of a running gag that only the top of his face was visible as he talked to his neighbor from the other side of a tall fence.^[2]

Early years

Hindman was born in Bisbee, Arizona, the son of Eula and Burl Latney Hindman, who worked in the oil pipeline business.^[3][4] He studied acting at the University of Arizona.^[5]

Career

Hindman played villains in two 1974 thrillers, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three and The Parallax View. He also appeared in the films Who Killed Mary What's 'Er Name? (1971), Greased Lightning (1977), The Brink's Job (1978), Taps (1981), Murder in Coweta County (1983), and played the part of J.T. in the Lawrence Kasdan film Silverado (1985).

Hindman's most famous pre-Home Improvement role was as Bob Reid in Ryan's Hope. He played the role from 1975 to 1984 and later returned for its final episodes in 1988–89. Hindman's wife (Molly McGreevy) was also on the soap 1977–81 as Polly Longworth, best friend to media tycoon Rae Woodard.

Personal life and death

On May 21, 1976, Hindman married Molly McGreevy, with whom he later acted in Ryan's Hope. McGreevey later became an Episcopal priest.^[6]

Hindman died of lung cancer on December 29, 2003, at the age of 61, in Stamford, Connecticut.^[5]

Filmography