Jack Lord (star of original Hawaii Five-0 series) still remembered in the 50th state

By James Lambert

From 1968 to 1980, the original 'Hawaii Five-0' television series was one of the most successful TV shows in America. The lead actor (Jack Lord) who played the part of Steve McGarrett who played the head of the Hawaiian state police force (Five-0) for the long running series on the CBS television network. Lord was an accomplished actor who starred in a number of productions prior to Hawaii Five-0. Prior appearances included roles on Broadway to more than 45 television appearances and over 15 big screen appearances.

As a young man in the early '70s I remember regularly seeing the program each week when I was a freshman and sophomore in college. The college (Linfield in McMinnville, Oregon) I attended and graduated from had a small but vibrant segment of the school's student body who were from the 50th state. Every Thursday night, I vividly recall being surrounded by a group of Hawaiians who also enjoyed watching the popular TV in our dorm's downstairs living room. What made the program so interesting to these Hawaiian students was being able to view scenes from the show that they recognized. The lead actor also made a point to seeing that a number of his cast members were also native Hawaiians. I personally liked watching the show too because the episodes were well written and portrayed. Not surprisingly re-broadcasts of the show are still shown every Sunday on the Me TV network. For more information on these re-broadcasts go to the website: www.metv.com .

For the 12 years the television show was filmed in different parts of Oahu with special close up segments being taped in the show's CBS production studio which were located across from the entrance of the Diamond Head Cemetery on 18th street in Honolulu. Lord and his wife Marie lived relatively close to this studio in a private top floor, ocean front condominium located in the Kahala Beach area of Honolulu.

Recently, I got a chance to interview a long time islander who told me that she personally noticed that in her interaction with the famous actor that she sensed that he was both amicable and pleasant to local residents whom he met in public.

Bob Turnbull, who once was a guest actor on the program, told me once that he even got a chance to share his faith with Lord by presenting him with a Bible. During the '70s Turnbull was declared the 'Minister of Waikiki' in those days. Since that time, he and his wife (Yvonne) have run a ministry which encourages people in their faith, as well as ministering to the family. For more detail on Bob's ministry go to www.TurnbullMinistries.org or call Bob at (760) 238-4588. Bob and Yvonne are also available to speak at churches and ministry groups around the country.

Sadly, in 1998 Jack Lord died at the age of 77 from complications involving a heart ailment. His wife passed away 8 years later. The actor was known for his philanthropic outreach to the people of Hawaii and expressed that by donating over $40 million dollars to various Hawaiian charities. After his death, a bust (of the actor) was presented by a non-profit organization to the people of Hawaii and is presently located in the Kahala Shopping Center(near Starbucks) on the east side on Honolulu.

[As a side note: the pictures that are included in this story include some fascinating and well known scenes from the famous TV show. One was recently taken at the Ilikai Hotel (near the Ala Moana Beach park)... It was at this site where Jack Lord was shown in the opening segments of the show. Also included are two other scenes: one from Kalakaua Blvd and the other from the Aloha Tower that are also featured in the opening credits of the show. Finally I have included a picture of Jack & Marie Lord's condo that was taken in April from the ocean shore. The property was sold in 2006].

© James Lambert