Wells, i always cherished our friendship in high school. It really saddened me that we lost touch into adulthood. I still remember band practice at your house, and I remember the last time I saw you walking down via de la paz. I was so excited to see you, and I had hope for you. I hope you’re at peace now.

To the Rhodes family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. I have the lovely memory of meeting Wells in our senior year of high school. We both happened to be signed up for the same “mysteries class” and then for our senior trip, Wells and I got to spend more time together and as a group. He has such a beautiful soul. 
I was recently reminded of Wells because of a man’s rendition of a song I really love right now—immediately thought of his singing. I searched him up on YouTube and found instead that he had passed away. 
Again, I’m heartbroken but of course nothing like I can only imagine you all feeling right now. 
Wells is eternal & so we’ll be. 

With love,
aura

Some of the best and most fun moments of my life were spent with you man. You were such a kind and genuine soul, and you left such an impression on so many people, myself included. Rest in Peace, my brother

Ps: I sit writing this now beneath the roof where Wells would sit in February tossing the oranges and gutted peels down from the orange blood tree. He was truly as warm and bright as the best of California.

Oh Wells, friends and family of Wells— a bright bright star hangs in our sky now, and a momentous hole left on earth. In 10th grade I moved from New York City where no one seemed to understand me and I was terrified. 15 year old me didn’t know that anyone would ever care to read my poetry, didn’t think there was any hope in sharing a song when no one would sing along to it with me. Ah but then I moved to LA, and then I met Wells. I don’t remember where, but I do remember two girls from my high school saying “the hottest guy at New Roads is Wells Hacker”, which makes me laugh cause when we did meet, what I saw was a bumbling lanky loving fool of a young man who I knew would be my friend. He was a true companion in the early days of adolescence when nothing makes sense except, maybe, having a good friend. Wells would come over to my mom’s house, we were neighbors after all in the palisades, and sit for hours at the foot of my bed, insisting that the things I loved mattered. He would sing, in his husky smokey voice songs he had written and songs we both loved. He showed me Neil Young, and the album American Beauty, we would exchange music in whole albums— sitting patiently listening to each song through, nodding and grabbing at the other’s knee when one felt extra pertinent. We spent hours, singing songs and him playing guitar, me not really ever believing that someone with this much artistry wanted to hang around me. 2009 was a big year for our friendship and a big year for the music we loved— we shared, and cried and laughed to Cotton Jones and Elvis Perkins in Dearland, his showing me the former and me to him the latter.   Wells made me feel important, singing across the Pacific Ocean from my house on the hill made me see it all differently. He was a very important friend to me.He he had a way of making anyone, even a stranger, feel safe. Those big safe arms extend across the universe now. I am so sorry for this loss. I loved him so very much.

Also from YOU CRACK ME UP. Him and his co-star the incredible Emily Russell. In between takes he's chilling in bed, playing the harmonica (which if I recall was his idea and I fell for it so hard). I remember that day suddenly learning he was allergic to cats and had to take medication, but he still showed up like a trooper even though it totally would've been fine if he just peaced out.

This was from YOU CRACK ME UP - he's just chilling here I think between setups, enjoying his foot and just being such a chill, easy person to hang with. Lots of great photos from this set that would exceed the max  for this condolence page.

Another from the same film SHELLS - this is him and his co-star Kathleen Scott Paul. They were both so amazing and such a delight to work with, and it was always just wonderful to see them smile and joke on set despite the heavy subject matter.

The first of a few of my favorite photos of Wells taken from the short films I used to work on with him. This was from SHELLS. I forget why I had beef jerky on set (whether it was a good set food or because I asked the actors what they wanted), but just love how happy he is with his little pack. 

One of the things I love about these photos is showing how in addition to how much Wells took acting seriously (sometimes recalling his own experiences in a way that was surprisingly humble/vulnerable) he was also a blast to hang with on sets. Such a light spirit.

Wells was a great kid to know and work with.  I’m so sorry for your loss.   Bobby

I work for well as a house keeper on his home with his fiancé !!! All I can said that he was funny 
Kind he will ask me to play his video games with him !!  Many times I work late at night at his home and he will get me diner, because he knows I work all day He was amazing human being !! I am so sorry for your lost 😞 my heart goes to your family he will always be remember ! My favorite boss!! Maria 🌼

I looked up to Wells when I was at New Life House 9 years ago. We shared the love of acting and I had the pleasure to listen to Joseph Hacker speak about his own career. 

Wells was a kind soul and a talented actor with a commanding presence! He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Wells Dashiell Rhodes Hacker

April 12, 1993 – September 17, 2023

Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park & Mortuary

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