Howard Hickman

Howard Close Hickman (February 9, 1880 – December 31, 1949) was an American actor, director, and writer born in Columbia, Missouri. He built a reputation as an accomplished stage leading man before transitioning into a lengthy career in film.

Hickman's stage career began in 1900 with an extra role in a San Francisco production. He subsequently performed in repertory theater with several companies, including the Alcazar Theatre, Morosco, and Melborne MacDowell companies. His Broadway work culminated in 1921 with The Skirt, for which he served as both book writer and performer, portraying the character Gabby.

His entry into film came through the Lasky Pictures Company, after which he worked with the Triangle Company and later with producer Thomas H. Ince. In 1918, Hickman expanded his role in the industry by stepping behind the camera, making his directorial debut with The Rainbow, produced for Paralta studios. He went on to direct a total of 19 films. He also contributed as a writer on film projects, including Kitty Kelly, M.D. (1919) and Nobody's Kid (1921).

As sound film became the industry standard, Hickman resumed acting, though he was largely cast in smaller supporting parts, frequently playing authoritarian figures. Among his most notable later appearances was a brief role in Gone with the Wind (1939), in which he portrayed plantation owner John Wilkes, the father of Ashley Wilkes. By the time he concluded his acting career in 1944, he had appeared in more than 270 films.

Hickman was married to actress Bessie Barriscale. He died of a heart attack on December 31, 1949, at his home in San Anselmo, six weeks before his 70th birthday, and was buried at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery in San Rafael.