The Memorial Wall

Darryl Hickman, who appeared in such films as The Grapes of Wrath and Leave Her to Heaven as a youngster before becoming a CBS executive in charge of daytime drama and an actor once more, has died. He was 92.

Mr. Hickman, who lived in Montecito, Calif., had been treated for Parkinson's disease.

He was the older brother (by three years) of the late Dwayne Hickman, who starred on the 1959-63 CBS comedy The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Darryl appeared with his brother in Captain Eddie (1945) — he played famed fighter pilot Eddie Rickenbacker as a boy — and on three first-season episodes of Dobie as older brother Davey, who came home from college.

In 1951, after appearances in more than 40 movies, Hickman — who had been a contract player at Paramount and MGM — became disillusioned with the business and entered a monastery, though he was back in show business before long.

Hickman had made his first movie appearance in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) and had one line of dialogue in If I Were King (1938) before he sang and tap-danced in The Star Maker (1939), starring Bing Crosby.

Bing’s brother, Everett Crosby, became his agent and got Hickman an interview with director John Ford, who was casting the part of Winfield, the youngest member of the Joad family, in an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s Dust Bowl classic The Grapes of Wrath (1940).

About 100 kids were brought in to try for the role. Asked why he gave Hickman the job, Ford replied, “He was the only kid that didn’t act like an actor.” Hickman said he had a great time during production “riding around on the top of that truck on Route 66 with Shirley Mills” (she played his sister, Ruthie).

In the Technicolor film noir classic Leave Her to Heaven (1945), directed by John M. Stahl, Hickman stood out as the disabled younger brother of Cornel Wilde who drowns in a lake as the callous Gene Tierney looks on.

Hickman also played younger versions of Ira Gershwin (Robert Alda) and Van Heflin’s Sam Masterson in Rhapsody in Blue (1945) and The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), respectively; was a mentally slow child in the wartime melodrama The Human Comedy (1943); and starred as the son of a gambling-house owner (Clark Gable) in Any Number Can Play (1949).

He had a year-plus stint on Broadway, taking over for Robert Morse as J. Pierrepont Finch in the original production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which ran from 1961-65.

Hickman also appeared in Paddy Chayefsky’s acclaimed Network (1976) as a West Coast TV executive and in the Burt Reynolds-starrer Sharky’s Machine (1981) as a cop who turns bad.

Darryl Gerard Hickman was born in Los Angeles on July 28, 1931, the son of an insurance salesman. He was discovered by one of his father’s clients, Ethel Meglin, a former Ziegfeld girl who presided over Meglin’s Kiddies, a troupe of young performers.

After The Grapes of Wrath, Hickman appeared with Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney in Men of Boys Town (1941) and in the Our Gang comedy Going to Press (1942). In Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), his character, the scalawag Johnny Tevis, says: “Tootie, if you don’t hit Mr. Braukoff in the face with flour and say, ‘I hate you,’ the Banshee will haunt you forever!”

Hickman graduated from Cathedral High School in Los Angeles in 1948, dated Elizabeth Taylor, appeared in A Kiss for Corliss (1949) — he had also acted on the radio show — and, after his short stay in a monastery, enrolled at Loyola University.

He made his living during the 1950s primarily by guest-starring on TV shows including The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, Perry Mason, Climax!, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, General Electric Theater, Studio One in Hollywood and Tales of Wells Fargo.

Hickman wrote for NBC’s The Loretta Young Show in 1961 and also starred that year as a Union solder on a short-lived series for the network, The Americans.

In the 1970s in New York, Hickman worked as a producer on the CBS soap opera Love of Life (then starring a young Christopher Reeve as bad boy Ben Harper) and spent about five years in charge of the network’s daytime programming.

He came back to Los Angeles in 1977 to produce A Year at the Top, a sitcom from Norman Lear‘s TAT Communications that starred Paul Shaffer. He also taught acting, did voice work on Jonny Quest and other cartoons and appeared on Baywatch and The Nanny.

In 2006, Hickman appeared on Turner Classic Movies, where, along with other former child actors Margaret O’Brien (his Meet Me in St. Louis co-star), Dickie Moore and Jane Withers, he was interviewed by the late Robert Osborne. “I’ve had 12 psychiatrists and it cost me $85,000 to be able to sit here with some degree of sanity,” he said.

Hickman’s book about acting, The Unconscious Actor: Out of Control, In Full Command, was published in 2007. He said he was greatly influenced by Tracy and director George Cukor after working with them in Keeper of the Flame (1942).

Hickman married actress Pamela Lincoln in 1960, whom he had met on the set of the Vincent Price horror film The Tingler (1959). A few years after they divorced, their youngest son, Justin, died by suicide in 1985.

Lai, Richard Joseph, 68, of Bethpage passed away April 30, 2024. Beloved husband of almost 40 years to Bogumila. Loving father of Thomas (Amanda) and Allison (Gregory Wittenburg). Adored grandfather of John and Thomas. Dear brother of William (Laura). Retired software engineer and well-recognized published author, noted for his insightful scholarship, brilliant storytelling, and encyclopedic knowledge in pulp and adventure fiction. While he enjoyed film, reading, and writing, his greatest love was his family. He cherished any time spent with friends and family and was a compassionate and doting father and grandfather. Rick will be remembered as a deeply peaceful, kind, and generous soul whose presence will be greatly missed by those fortunate to have known him.

Joan Carol (Pivar) Bergdorf, passed away quietly from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on May 26, 2024, with her husband and sons by her side. Born August 6, 1942, in Spokane, Washington, to John and Viola Pivar, Joan spent her childhood enjoying horseback riding at her Great-Uncle Bill’s ranch, playing tennis, lettering in golf, and collecting all manner of little creatures, including turtles, frogs, and a chameleon. The poor frog met his demise when Joan’s brother, John, accidentally backed over it with his tricycle, and we won’t mention what happened to the turtle. Joan also loved music and played violin, piano, and her favorite, the flute. The Pivar family made many long road trips to visit family in Chicago and camping trips throughout the Northwest and Canada. Joan was 15 years old and babysitting some ruffians, when in walked the children’s uncle. One look at that young marine in his dress blues and Joani was done for. They were married soon after her 18th birthday, and welcomed their two sons, Edward John and Jeffrey Scott, within four years of the nuptials, thus completing their little family. Out of high school, Joan began working for Lawrence D. Morse, CPA, doing clerical work. Larry was quick to recognize her work ethic, dedication, and aptitude for numbers. He quickly advanced her responsibilities and opened the door for her to take evening accounting classes at Kinman Business University. With two little ones at home, Joani made short work of those classes, passed the CPA exam, and began her profession as a certified public accountant. When Larry merged his practice with Schoedel and Schoedel, LP, Joan continued her career with Schoedel and Schoedel, furthering her circle of friends, coworkers, and clients, many of whom became close personal friends. As if that wasn’t enough, Joan was also active with figure skating, both as a loving (and dedicated) parent, ice show seamstress, and part-time official. Dropping off the boys on her way to work, picking them up after, making countless costumes for many show participants, and number crunching for numerous competitions throughout the Northwest, Joani’s tireless dedication to excellence continued to shine. When the boys grew up and went off to school, Joani fully embraced the accounting side of officiating and earned national certification with the United States Figure Skating Association, expanding her knowledge, skills, and experience to the national and international stage. George and Joan built their dream home in 1993, and retired to the Bergdorf family ranch in Priest River, ID. Joan carried her love of golf into adulthood and was quite proud of her “chicken”, which her daughter-in-law later realized was actually a “chip in.” In her “spare” time, Joan loved to tend to her beautiful garden, be the family seamstress (which she and her mom, Vi, called their stitch and bitch sessions), quilt and crochet family heirlooms, and most importantly, spend time with her four grandchildren, whom she adored with everything she had. Preceded in death by her parents, (John and Viola Pivar); Joan is survived by her husband, George of Priest River, ID; brother, John (Bonita) Pivar of Juneau, AK; son, Edward (Nancy) Bergdorf of Everett, WA; and son, Jeff (Dori) Bergdorf of Riverton, UT; four grandchildren: Kelsi (Jared) Pullan, Matthew Bergdorf, Alexander Bergdorf, and Christian Bergdorf; as well as three great-grandchildren: Kolt, Natalie, and Hunter Pullan.

Wilbert E. Fleming, 77, entered the gates of heaven at Summit Commons Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Providence, RI, on May 26, 2024, after a courageous 12-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, surrounded by loved ones.

Wilbert was born and raised in Natchez, MS. Affectionately known as “Pee Wee” to his family, he was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend. Wilbert studied Public Administration at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and Roger Williams University in Providence, RI. He had a long-standing career in public administration working for Providence Housing-Chad Brown, Rhode Island Housing, Providence Mayor’s Office, and Providence Community Action. Wilbert was a board member of several organizations including the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Community Preparatory School, John Hope Settlement House, The Providence Black Repertory Company and Urban League of Rhode Island. He was also a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of Rhode Island. Wilbert was involved in many community action initiatives throughout his life and he enjoyed every minute.

Wilbert loved the Lord, and he was baptized in Natchez, MS in 1963. He united with the Ebenezer Baptist Church after settling in Providence. He was a devoted member of Ebenezer for over 40 years where he participated in Bible Study, Church School and the Men’s Ministry. He was also a member of the Trustee Ministry Wilbert was a dedicated community activist and leader, known throughout Rhode Island for helping others and getting things done. He also marched in the civil rights movement as a young man. Wilbert was a veteran having served in the US Army from 1966 to 1969. His first son Delon was born in 1973. He met the love of his life Ardena in 1983 when she was working at the Biltmore in Providence. They married on September 26, 1987 and had two more sons Nigel and Evan. Wilbert loved music, watching “Patriots” football, gardening, cooking soul food (especially beans and collard greens), sweet treats, and spending quality time with family. He loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest. Wilbert’s favorite event was going to the RI Black Heritage Ball each year. He was charismatic and had style. He had a way of making everyone he encountered feel special. Wilbert was also a warrior for justice. From an early age, he had a passion for making a difference and helping the disadvantaged. Wilbert’s beautiful spirit and good work touched many lives, and his legacy will be forever in our hearts.

Wilbert was preceded in death by his mother Emma Lee (Foster) Calvit, his father Johnny Fleming and his stepfather Alton Calvit, Sr. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Ardena of 37 years; three sons Delon Gomes-Fleming (Quishona) of Cleveland, OH, Nigel Fleming (Kelsey) of Pawtucket, RI and Evan Fleming of Jersey City, NJ; step-daughter, Trina Barton of Providence, RI; eight brothers, Alton Calvit, Jr. (Yvonne), Michael Calvit (Mary Grace), Randolph Calvit, and Larry Calvit of Houston, TX, Walter Calvit of Natchez, MS, Julian Calvit (Lori) of Pawtucket, RI; Lee Calvit (Joan) of Warwick, RI, and George Fleming (Clarissa) of Euclid, OH; two sisters Pat Fleming-Hembree, and Debra Calvit of Plainfield, NJ; one brother in law, Donald Lee (Shelley) of Stafford,VA; one grand-daughter Jayla Gomes of Cleveland, OH; step grands Antwan and Skyleigh Cummings of Cleveland, OH and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

REMS MARIAN LOUISE KINKER, 86, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 26 at her home in Boca Raton, Florida. Marian was born on June 1, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Elmer and Jeannette (Barron) Kinker. On July 15, 1950, Marian married the love of her life, John Henry Brems, who preceded her in death on their 51st wedding anniversary in 2001. Marian is survived by her six children: Kathleen Durbin (Patrick) of Beverly Hills, MI; John Brems, M.D. (Monica) of Mentor, OH; Barbara Flynn (Michael, deceased) of Plymouth, IN; Jerry Brems of Newark, OH; Laura Flynn (Patrick) of South Bend, IN; and William Brems, M.D. (Marybeth) of Kensington, MD; 23 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren with five more expected this year; a sister, Virginia Gessing; and her beloved first cousin Jack Barron. Marian attended Ursuline High School in Cincinnati, OH and graduated from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI in 1950. Marian spent her life nurturing her beloved children. Though stricken with Parkinson's disease nearly 20 years ago, she fought valiantly against her disease and found her greatest satisfaction in participating within the Parkinson's community in Boca Raton, FL. She generously gave of her time, energy and efforts to sharing her experiences and helping her friends battle the disease.