LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Actor Pat Hingle, who played Commissioner Gordon in several "Batman" movies in the 1990s, has died of cancer at his home in Carolina Beach, N.C.

Family friend Michele Seidman confirmed the actor's Saturday death at the age of 84 to Variety.com.

The World War II veteran's film credits included "On the Waterfront," "Splendor in the Grass," "Hang 'Em High" and "Norma Rae." His latest movie appearance was in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," which hit theaters in 2006.

A Tony nominee for 1958's "Dark at the Top of the Stairs," Hingle also was a guest star on shows like "Touched by an Angel," "Homicide: Life on the Street," "Murder She Wrote," "Gunsmoke," "War and Remembrance," "In the Heat of the Night," "Wings," "Cheers" and "MASH," the entertainment industry trade newspaper noted.

Hingle is survived by his wife, Julia; five children; two sisters, and 11 grandchildren, Variety.com said.

Travolta, Preston thank fans for support

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Hollywood film stars John Travolta and Kelly Preston say they are grateful to people who have reached out to them after the death of their only son, Jett.

Jett Travolta, 16, died Friday, reportedly after hitting his head on a bathtub while on vacation with his parents in the Bahamas. An autopsy was expected to be conducted. Jett had a history of health problems, including seizures.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by an 8-year-old sister, Ella.

"We would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent their love and condolences," a posting signed, "With love, John, Kelly and Ella," said on Travolta's official Web site.

"Jett was the most wonderful son that two parents could ever ask for and lit up the lives of everyone he encountered. We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief," the statement said.

"We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives. We have received many messages of condolence from around the world and we want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It has meant so much to us. It is a beautiful reminder of the inherent goodness in the human spirit that gives us hope for a brighter future."

Tennant back on stage as Hamlet

LONDON, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Scottish actor David Tennant has returned to the London stage production of "Hamlet" after undergoing back surgery, the BBC said.

The outgoing "Doctor Who" actor headlined the Royal Shakespeare Co.'s production of "Hamlet" in Stratford-upon-Avon during the summer and was slated to continue starring in the drama when it moved to the West End last month. However, he was forced to drop out of the play before opening night in London to have surgery for a slipped disc in his back.

The RSC told the BBC that Tennant's appearances would be determined on a "day by day" basis and theatergoers should consult the play's Web site for updates.

The show is scheduled to run at the Novello Theatre through Saturday.

Tennant is expected to start shooting a "Doctor Who" television special later this month. The actor announced last year that he was leaving the science-fiction show after he wraps several specials set to air in 2009. He became the 10th actor to play the role of the Doctor in 2005.

Matt Smith has been hired to take over the role from Tennant in 2010.

Chmerkovskiy and Smirnoff get engaged

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Professional dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff have gotten engaged in Las Vegas, a source told People magazine.

Chmerkovskiy and Smirnoff, who are regulars on the U.S. competition series "Dancing with the Stars," have been a couple for about six months. They are now performing with the "Dancing with the Stars" stage tour.

Smirnoff previously dated actor and television personality Mario Lopez, who had been her celebrity partner on "DWTS" in Season 3.

A source told People Chmerkovskiy proposed to Smirnoff on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.

"They are really cute together," the insider said.

The dancers' publicists declined to comment on the story, the magazine said.