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David Haskell

David Michael Haskell (June 4, 1948 – August 30, 2000) was an American actor and singer, best known for originating the role of and in the 1971 Off-Broadway production of the musical and reprising the role in the 1973 film adaptation. Born in , Haskell began his career in theater, appearing in various stage productions before achieving prominence with . His performance in the musical, composed by , showcased his vocal talents and stage presence, contributing to the show's success during its initial run at the .) Haskell transitioned to film and television, with notable roles including the 1984 thriller directed by , the 1989 comedy K-9 starring James Belushi, and a recurring role as Nick Hartley on the Santa Barbara from 1991 to 1992. He also appeared in guest spots on television series such as Mork & Mindy and . Throughout his career, Haskell was recognized for his versatile performances across stage, screen, and television until his death from brain cancer at age 52.)

Early life

Birth and family background

David George Haskell was born in and raised in , .

Education and formative experiences

Haskell attended l'École Active Bilingue (now ) and the British School of Paris during his upbringing in . He earned a B.A. in from the . Haskell completed a Ph.D. in at .

Career

Academic career

David George Haskell's academic career has centered on biology and environmental studies. After earning his PhD from in 1996, he joined the faculty at the University of the South in , where he served as the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies. He chaired the biology department and directed the Environmental Arts and Humanities program at Sewanee. In 2025, Haskell was appointed Adjunct Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at in . His research focuses on animal ecology, , and , particularly forest ecology, , and human-nature interactions. Haskell's work has been funded by the , the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the World Wildlife Fund. He has held fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation (2014–2015) and the , and is an elective member of the American Ornithologists’ Union and a fellow of the . Haskell has also served on boards and advisory committees for land organizations. In recognition of his contributions to education, Haskell received the 2009 Professor of the Year award for Tennessee from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Writing career

Haskell's writing integrates scientific research with reflective prose on ecology and sensory experiences in nature. His debut book, The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature (2012), a meditation on observing a single square meter of forest, was a New York Times bestseller, won the 2013 National Academies Best Book Award, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction. It has been translated into more than a dozen languages. Subsequent books include The Songs of Trees: Stories from Nature's Great Connectors (2017), which explores tree communication and ecosystems through sound and networks, earning the 2018 John Burroughs Medal and the 2020 Iris Book Award; Thirteen Ways to Smell a Tree (2021), a sensory exploration of trees; and Sounds Wild and Broken: Sonic Life, Indifference, and the Anthropocene (2022), tracing sound's evolution on Earth and human impacts, a Pulitzer Prize finalist that also won the Acoustical Society of America's Science Writing Award and was a finalist for the PEN/ Literary Science Writing Award. Haskell's forthcoming book, How Flowers Made Our World: The Story of Nature's Revolutionaries, is scheduled for publication in March 2026. Beyond books, Haskell has contributed essays to , , , , and Emergence Magazine, often blending science with philosophical insights on environmental interconnectedness. He has produced pieces for Emergence Magazine. In 2024, he received the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in .

Personal life

Marriage and family

David Haskell married actress Jeanne Lange on May 22, 1972, shortly after meeting her during the original production of the musical in 1971. The couple, who both pursued acting careers, pooled their resources to support their lifestyle, including cross-country travels and purchasing a home together in around 1977. Haskell and Lange welcomed their daughter, , around 1979. In a 1985 interview, Haskell described the profound joy of fatherhood, recounting his active involvement in her birth—attending Lamaze classes, cutting the , and driving mother and child home through a rainstorm—and expressed amazement at Alexandria's self-assured nature at age six. He emphasized the couple's shared commitment to , noting that periods of in allowed both parents ample time to bond with their daughter. Throughout his career, Haskell highlighted the stabilizing role of his family amid the demands of schedules, crediting Lange's understanding and their joint efforts for maintaining a strong household. The marriage endured until Haskell's death in 2000, spanning nearly three decades and marked by mutual support in their professional and personal lives.

Community and civic involvement

David Haskell demonstrated an early commitment to community and civic involvement through his in youth organizations. As a teenager, he served as Past Master Councilor of the Mill Valley Chapter of the Order of DeMolay, a Masonic-sponsored group focused on fostering skills, , and civic among young men. This role highlighted his dedication to and during his formative years in . The principles of DeMolay, such as selfless service and personal integrity, influenced Haskell's adult approach to civic-mindedness, though specific adult involvements are less documented. Haskell also maintained connections to communities outside his professional career, participating in local theater initiatives that emphasized collaborative and educational aspects of the arts.

Death

Illness

David Haskell died of brain cancer on August 30, 2000, at age 52, at the Hospital in Woodland Hills, , .

Legacy

David Haskell's most enduring legacy lies in his groundbreaking performance in the original 1971 Off-Broadway production of , where he originated the dual roles of and Judas, setting a precedent for the character's portrayal in future stagings and adaptations of the musical. His charismatic and versatile interpretation helped cement 's status as a seminal work in modern musical theater, influencing how the show's themes of and community are conveyed through dynamic ensemble dynamics. Posthumously, Haskell's contributions to Godspell have been celebrated in revivals and anniversary events, including the original cast's 30th anniversary reunion in in 2001, which was prompted by his recent passing and served as a to the production's lasting cultural resonance. These gatherings underscore how his work continues to inspire performers and audiences in ongoing productions worldwide. In television, Haskell left a mark on 1980s soap operas through his recurring role as photographer Nick Hartley on Santa Barbara from 1985 to 1986, where he played the romantic foil to Robin Wright's Kelly Capwell across numerous episodes, adding depth to the show's dramatic narratives. He also extended his reach into animation with voice acting, notably as Billy in the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series episode "Mad as a Hatter." These roles highlighted his adaptability across genres, contributing to his reputation as a multifaceted performer active from 1972 to 1998. Following his death from brain cancer in 2000 at age 52, obituaries in industry outlets praised Haskell's 26-year career for its range, from Shakespearean theater alongside in Lincoln Center's to film appearances in and Seems Like Old Times. Tributes emphasized his pivotal role in as a cornerstone of his legacy, with the original cast's funeral gathering evolving into formal reunions that affirmed his enduring influence on collaborators and the community.

References

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