Bill Mullikin, Long-Running Cornelius Hackle in Hello Dolly, Dies at 83

Bill Mullikin, who played over 2,000 performances as Cornelius Hackle in Hello Dolly!, has died of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a report in Variety. He was 83.

Mullikin played the role on Broadway and on tour throughout the U.S. and Australia, appearing opposite such stars as Ginger Rogers, Phyllis Diller and Dorothy Lamour. Among his other stage credits are the national tour of South Pacific, The Baker’s Wife, as well as New Faces of 1952 and New Faces of 1956 on Broadway.

The actor also appeared in the film version of 1952 New Faces. Among his other screen and television credits are Hell Is for Heroes, The Brady Bunch, and Little House on the Prairie.

Mullikin is survived by a son and a daughter.