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’ School before continuing his education at St. Simon’s College, an institution known for producing distinguished Jamaicans. His early interest in theatre emerged while working as a Licence Clerk at E.A. Issa & Bros Ltd., leading him to join the Caribbean Thespians and make his stage debut in Hearts and Blossoms.
A Career in Theatre and Broadcasting
Hyatt’s journey in the performing arts took off when he joined the Little Theatre Movement (LTM) pantomimes, where he became a standout performer, particularly in the role of the Dame. His career expanded into broadcasting in 1959 when he joined the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) at its launch, becoming one of the station’s first early morning presenters. His radio series Here Comes Charley, where he played multiple roles and created sound effects, became a household favourite.
In 1960, Hyatt was awarded a British Council bursary to study at the Theatre Royal in Windsor, England. At the end of his tuition, he joined the cast of the BBC’s longest-running radio serial Mrs. Dale’s Diary, playing the role of a West Indian doctor. After a nine-month period with this production, he was cast in his first television production for the BBC, A Book with Chapters in It. His next venture came soon afterwards when he was cast in The Day of the Fox, written by Guyanese playwright Jan Carew for commercial television, starring alongside Sammy Davis Jr.
Film and International Success
Hyatt’s talent extended to the silver screen, where he appeared in several notable films, including A High Wind in Jamaica, The Comedians, The Mighty Quinn, and Cool Runnings. His international exposure brought him opportunities to work with industry legends, including Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Earl Jones. His versatility allowed him to excel in various roles across stage, film, and television.
In 1962, Hyatt received an invitation from the TBC to return home for a performance in Nugget’s for the Needy, once again collaborating with Sammy Davis Jr., who was in Jamaica for the Independence celebrations. During this visit, Davis Jr. asked Hyatt to act as the MC for his show at the Carib Theatre. What was initially meant to be a two-week visit turned into a three-month stay as Hyatt took part in the Independence Revival of the LTM’s Carib Gold.
Returning to Jamaica and Later Contributions
Despite his success abroad, Hyatt remained deeply connected to his Jamaican roots. He returned home in the 1970s and rejoined JBC, becoming the head of the Theatre Department. He produced and directed the radio serial Fortunes of Floralee and the music programme Sunday Souvenirs. He continued performing on stage in productions such as The King and I, The Mousetrap, and Old Story Time, solidifying his legacy as one of Jamaica’s greatest actors.
Beyond acting, Hyatt was an accomplished writer. His book When Me Was a Boy captures the nostalgia of growing up in Jamaica and remains a beloved piece of Jamaican literature. His ability to authentically portray and preserve Jamaican culture earned him multiple accolades, including the Institute of Jamaica Centenary Medal and the Silver Musgrave Medal.
Legacy and Impact
Charles Hyatt’s contributions to theatre, film, radio, and literature continue to inspire generations of Jamaican artists. His ability to captivate audiences through humour, storytelling, and impeccable performances made him a national treasure.
Hyatt passed away on January 1, 2007, but his impact on the Jamaican arts scene lives on. His legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural heritage through performance and literature. Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Charles Hyatt, a true pioneer of Jamaican entertainment.
