Designing Women and Evening Shade creator Linda Bloodworth-Thomason pays tribute to "our North Star" Hal Holbrook

The Hollywood Reporter

"First of all, Hal was the most authentic person I have ever worked with," Bloodworth-Thomason writes of Holbrook, who died this week at age 95. Holbrook recurred on Designing Women, appearing with his wife Dixie Carter, and went on to star in Evening Shade. "You could not catch him acting," adds Bloodworth-Thomason. "He literally vibrated with humanity and felt everything so deeply — which is what made him such a sublime comedian. My husband (director Harry Thomason) used to say, 'Don’t ever tell Hal your dog died, or you’ll spend the rest of the day consoling him.' Hal had a kind of raw elegance, classing up every room he entered. You could dress him in rags, and he would still appear to be an important person. His often harsh life and gratitude for all the in-between gifts were written on his face. On Designing Women (playing, Dixie Carter’s romantic partner), he was our dazzling 'artist in residence,' though he acted more like an audience member — perpetually awe-struck by that splendidly uncommon cast. On Evening Shade (where he played Burt Reynolds' father-in-law and, I believe, helped him win a first-season Emmy), Hal was our North Star — the guy you could always check in with to see if you’re still on course."