RIP Shawn Michaels

Thomas Joseph Mickles, AKA Shawn Michaels, of Hollywood, California passed away peacefully on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the Prescott VA under their wonderful Hospice care in Prescott, Arizona surrounded by his family.

Shawn was the 1st of four sons born to proud parents, Dorwin and Margaret Mickles on August 7, 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

With the help of his dear Mother, Margaret and the Nuns he loved so much he graduated 8th grade from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School with the class of 1940.

Not more than 3 years later proud father Dorwin gave son Thomas permission necessary to enlist in the U.S. Navy in WWII where he proudly served as a Hospital Apprentice 1st Class from 1943-1946 aboard the destroyer, USS Marshall in the Pacific Theater earning his Pacific Theater Ribbon-3 stars, American Theater Ribbon-1 star, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and Victory Medal.

After receiving his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Shawn returned home to Philadelphia where he used his G.I. Bill along with fellow WWII vets Charles Bronson and Jack Klugman, to enroll at the Bessie V. Hicks Drama School…where he met and married his future Bride, Bette Brown of Reading, Pa. and mother of his two children, Pam and Kirk. The family settled in Reading, Pennsylvania. Eight years later after various fields of endeavor which included a stint singing on Reading Radio Station, he loaded up the family and headed for sunny California to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.

Early years brought T.V. appearances on “Twilight Zone, Wild Wild West, Odd Couple, and Quincy” Films included, Scrooged and Lethal Weapon 1-4.

His second marriage to Harriet Haddad, brought the birth of daughter, Jennifer who now resides in Colorado.

While honing his craft in the movie industry he developed a love of legit theatre as he worked in small theater productions around Hollywood and surrounding areas, where he met lifelong friend and fellow actor Audrey Marlyn Singer. Together, they co-founded, Actors Forum Theatre in West Hollywoodwhere his love for stage acting became his passion and expertise. Together they produced, directed and often starred in many wonderful productions, along with a wealth of equally talented actors, members of theatre.

Shawn received Drama Log Awards for Best Actor and Director, as well as the love and respect of his peers at Actors Forum and the Hollywood Theatre community which he returned back to them.

Shawn’s love of his children and grandchildren was apparent with every moment spent together and his presence at holiday gatherings or just a visit was always anxiously and happily anticipated…he made the simplest activity fun and full of laughter…he brought a smile to your face simply walking through the door…

He loved his life and will be missed by all of us lucky enough to be along on his journey…it was a wonderful ride!

He is survived by his brother, Charles Mickles; daughters, Pam Field and Jennifer Michaels; grandchildren, Keith, Shannon, Ryan, Ross, Evan; Great Grandchildren Braiden, Jaden and Tyler; 6 nieces, 1 nephew of the fabulous Mickles Clan of Philadelphia, Pa.

Born: 8/7/1926, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Died: 7/20/2018, Prescott, Virginia, U.S.A.

Have Gun – Will Travel (TV) – 1962 (Crony, husband)

The Wild Wild West (TV) – 1966 (convict painter)