Charles Eglerton Hyatt was born on February 14, 1931, in Kingston, Jamaica, to Herbert Hyatt, a taxi driver, and Ruth Burke, a homemaker. He attended St. Aloysius Boys’ College earlier than persevering with his training at St. Simon’s Faculty, an establishment identified for producing distinguished Jamaicans. His early curiosity in theatre emerged whereas working as a Licence Clerk at E.A. Issa & Bros Ltd., main him to affix the Caribbean Thespians and make his stage debut in Hearts and Blossoms.
A Profession in Theatre and Broadcasting
Hyatt’s journey within the performing arts took off when he joined the Little Theatre Motion (LTM) pantomimes, the place he turned a standout performer, significantly within the function of the Dame. His profession expanded into broadcasting in 1959 when he joined the Jamaica Broadcasting Company (JBC) at its launch, changing into one of many station’s first early morning presenters. His radio collection Right here Comes Charley, the place he performed a number of roles and created sound results, turned a family favorite.
In 1960, Hyatt was awarded a British Council bursary to check on the Theatre Royal in Windsor, England. On the finish of his tuition, he joined the solid of the BBC’s longest-running radio serial Mrs. Dale’s Diary, taking part in the function of a West Indian physician. After a nine-month interval with this manufacturing, he was solid in his first tv manufacturing for the BBC, A E-book with Chapters in It. His subsequent enterprise got here quickly afterwards when he was solid in The Day of the Fox, written by Guyanese playwright Jan Carew for industrial tv, starring alongside Sammy Davis Jr.
Movie and Worldwide Success
Hyatt’s expertise prolonged to the silver display, the place he appeared in a number of notable movies, together with A Excessive Wind in Jamaica, The Comedians, The Mighty Quinn, and Cool Runnings. His worldwide publicity introduced him alternatives to work with business legends, together with Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Earl Jones. His versatility allowed him to excel in varied roles throughout stage, movie, and tv.
In 1962, Hyatt acquired an invite from the TBC to return dwelling for a efficiency in Nugget’s for the Needy, as soon as once more collaborating with Sammy Davis Jr., who was in Jamaica for the Independence celebrations. Throughout this go to, Davis Jr. requested Hyatt to behave because the MC for his present on the Carib Theatre. What was initially meant to be a two-week go to became a three-month keep as Hyatt took half within the Independence Revival of the LTM’s Carib Gold.
Returning to Jamaica and Later Contributions
Regardless of his success overseas, Hyatt remained deeply linked to his Jamaican roots. He returned dwelling within the Nineteen Seventies and rejoined JBC, changing into the pinnacle of the Theatre Division. He produced and directed the radio serial Fortunes of Floralee and the music programme Sunday Souvenirs. He continued acting on stage in productions corresponding to The King and I, The Mousetrap, and Previous Story Time, solidifying his legacy as one in every of Jamaica’s best actors.
Past performing, Hyatt was an completed author. His e book When Me Was a Boy captures the nostalgia of rising up in Jamaica and stays a beloved piece of Jamaican literature. His capacity to authentically painting and protect Jamaican tradition earned him a number of accolades, together with the Institute of Jamaica Centenary Medal and the Silver Musgrave Medal.
Legacy and Impression
Charles Hyatt’s contributions to theatre, movie, radio, and literature proceed to encourage generations of Jamaican artists. His capacity to captivate audiences by way of humour, storytelling, and impeccable performances made him a nationwide treasure.
Hyatt handed away on January 1, 2007, however his influence on the Jamaican arts scene lives on. His legacy is a testomony to the ability of storytelling and the significance of preserving cultural heritage by way of efficiency and literature. In the present day, we keep in mind and have fun the lifetime of Charles Hyatt, a real pioneer of Jamaican leisure.
