Hello Dolly star Bill Mullikin dies

Bill Mullikin, who is best known for his role as Cornelius Hackle in the Broadway hit "Hello Dolly," sadly died in California at the weekend.  He was 83 years old and suffering from Alzheimer's.

Mullikin played Hackle in more than 2,000 performances of Hello Dolly while  touring the USA and Australia with stars including Ginger Rogers, Phyllis Diller and Dorothy Lamour.

Mullikin made his Broadway debut in the musical revue "New Faces of 1952," sharing the stage over a two-year run with Eartha Kitt, Paul Lynde and Alice Ghostley.  He was also in the touring company of "South Pacific” and was featured in "The Baker's Wife." Film credits include "Hell Is for Heroes," starring Steve McQueen, Bobby Darin, James Coburn and Bob Newhart.