(Trinidad Guardian) The common-law wife of 69-year-old comedian and actor Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall is calling on the nation to pray for his speedy recovery and to bless the hands of the ten doctors attending to the entertainer.
The 2019 Calypso Queen, Natasha “Sexy Suzie” Nurse, told the Sunday Guardian in a telephone interview, while at Hall’s side, “More than publicity, what Sprang needs is the nation’s prayer.”
Hall, a diabetic, was rushed to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope, on Friday at 4 pm, after experiencing seizures. We were told he also subsequently suffered a stroke and is unable to speak, but recognises the faces of friends and relatives who have been flocking to the hospital since his admittance.
A sombre sounding Nurse said the doctors were still trying to find out the root cause of his seizures and the stroke, as Hall was very disciplined with his medication.
“They are running a lot of tests. So I am just waiting for information to find out what may have caused this and what else might be going on with him,” Nurse said.
Though the stroke has affected the father of one’s speech, Nurse said there was still some movement of his limbs, as he does not like needles. “You could see on his face he is feeling like he’s locked down. So he’s fighting them because you can see that he wants to move,” Nurse added.
She said while she was happy for the overwhelming support from the thespian’s friends, it was important he remained calm and the crowd of visitors lessened to allow this.
“I understand care and concern, and as I said I appreciate it very much, but Sprang’s body is going through a lot and more than anything, he needs prayers,” Nurse reiterated.
Asked if prior to the seizures there were any signs of Hall feeling unwell, Nurse said no, that it all happened quite suddenly.
“I am praying and asking God for everything to go well because the doctors are really working on him. I must say I am getting 100 per cent support from them, which I appreciate,” said Nurse.
Playwright and brother of Hall, Tony Hall flew in immediately from abroad, upon learning of his brother falling ill, to be at his side.
Hall is known for his wry sense of humour, which was very prominent even in his stand up comedian acts and in conversations as a radio talk show host .
The “I am telling you” laugh maker was an integral part of T&T’s first-ever independent production company called Banyan Productions, co-founded by Christopher Laird. His was the face seen in many local television shows and advertisements like the famous Diana power mint commercial.
Hall also starred in the 2003 Canadian television sitcom, Lord Have Mercy, playing the role of pastor Cuthbert Stevens, alongside comedienne Rachel Price.
In 2007, Hall’s acting skills were put to serious work, taking on the role of a ‘wise man’ in the feature film, A Winter Tale, by Frances-Anne Solomon.
His most recent appearance came in 2018 when he starred in the official music video for Kes The Band’s Hello.