In the annals of the entertainment industry, the name James Hazeldine holds a place of significance.
Known for his remarkable acting talent and memorable performances, his sudden and tragic passing left a void in the world of film and television.
The circumstances surrounding his demise have intrigued many, and in this article, we delve into the enigma that shrouds the cause of Hazeldine’s death.
James Hazeldine early life
Hazeldine was born on April 4, 1947, in Salford, Lancashire, England, and died on December 17, 2002, in London, England.
He was born the son of a dustman in Salford, Lancashire, where he grew up on a council estate.
As a child, Hazeldine became obsessed with the films of director Elia Kazan.
By the age of 11, he had watched A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and East of Eden, and he realized the unifying factor was the director.
So 30 years before it was fashionable, he wanted to direct.
Following the death of his mother, Hazeldine left school when he was 15, and was accepted as a student assistant stage manager at Salford Repertory where he soon started taking on small acting roles.
He made his London debut at the Royal Court Theatre, where he appeared in plays such as Edward Bond’s Narrow Road to the Deep North (1969), Peter Gill’s Over Gardens Out (1969) and Arnold Wesker’s The Old Ones (1972).
James Hazeldine cause of death
Hazeldine died on December 17, 2002, at the age of 55.
The cause of his death was an aortic dissection, which was a complication from a triple heart bypass surgery he had undergone six months earlier.
Hazeldine became ill on December 10, 2002, four days after starting to feel uneasy. He died one week later as a result of the aortic dissection.
What is aortic dissection?
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical condition characterized by a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the largest artery in the body.
This tear allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, creating a false channel known as a dissection.
As blood continues to flow through the aorta, the dissection can extend along the vessel, potentially leading to a rupture or blockage of blood flow to vital organs.
The aorta is responsible for carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
When aortic dissection occurs, it can disrupt the normal blood flow, causing severe complications.
This condition is often associated with sudden, severe, and tearing chest or back pain, which may radiate to the neck, jaw or arms.
Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and a sense of impending doom.
Aortic dissection is classified into two main types based on the location of the tear.
The more common type, called Stanford type A, involves a tear in the ascending aorta, which is the portion of the aorta that leaves the heart.
Stanford type A dissections are considered a medical emergency and require immediate surgical intervention.
The less common type, known as Stanford type B, involves a tear in the descending aorta, which is the portion of the aorta that extends beyond the arch.
Stanford type B dissections may be managed with medication and close monitoring, although some cases may still require surgery.
Risk factors for aortic dissection include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), connective tissue disorders (such as Marfan syndrome), aortic valve abnormalities, and a history of aortic surgery or trauma.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving the chances of survival in individuals with aortic dissection.
If you suspect aortic dissection, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services, as this condition can be rapidly fatal without prompt intervention.
James Hazeldine career
Hazeldine became obsessed with the films of director Elia Kazan as a child and decided to become an actor and stage manager after finding out that Kazan had started his career in that way.
He left school at the age of 15 and was accepted as a student assistant stage manager at Salford Repertory, where he soon started taking on small acting roles.
Hazeldine worked his way around the northern rep circuit, doing seasons at Liverpool, Newcastle, and Manchester.
He made his London debut at the Royal Court Theatre, where he appeared in plays such as Edward Bond’s Narrow Road to the Deep North (1969), Peter Gill’s Over Gardens Out (1969) and Arnold Wesker’s The Old Ones (1972).
Hazeldine worked regularly in new plays, including Arnold Wesker’s The Old Ones, EA Whitehead’s The Foursome and Gill’s Cato Street.
Although rarely cast in star roles, he built up a reputation as an actor of exceptional honesty and truth.
Hazeldine was also a prolific television actor who is probably best known for his role as firefighter Mike ‘Bayleaf’ Wilson in the LWT drama London’s Burning.
He played the role from 1986 to 1996 and also directed some episodes.
Hazeldine’s character was written out of London’s Burning in 1995, but he remained with the program as a director.
He appeared in a wide range of small-screen dramas, including Young, Gifted And Broke, Emma and Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years.
Hazeldine also made his film debut playing Stalin to Brian Cox’s Trotsky in the easily forgettable Nicholas And Alexandra (1971).
Hazeldine died on December 17, 2002, aged 55, while rehearsing for his role as Sigmund Freud in a new stage play, The Talking Cure.
He appeared in the controversial drama, Shipman, which re-enacted events surrounding the murderous killing spree of Dr. Harold Shipman, Britain’s most prolific serial killer.
Hazeldine assumed the role of Detective Inspector Stan Egerton, the man charged with leading the investigation into the deranged doctor’s crimes.
Determined that the dramatization should be as authentic as possible, Hazeldine even met with the retired policeman to ensure a realistic portrayal of the diligent law enforcer.
