Jack Lord will probably be best remembered as Steve McGarrett in the long running television series _"Hawaii Five-O" , but he was much more than that however. He starred in several movies, directed several episodes of his show, was in several Broadway productions, and was an accomplished artist. Two of his paintings were acquired by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum of Modern Art by the time he was twenty. Lord was also known for being a very cultured man who loved reading poetry out loud on the set of his TV show and as being somewhat reclusive at his Honolulu home. He met his son from his first marriage, who was killed in an accident when he was thirteen, only once as a baby.
Traci Lords has said she changed her name to "Lords" as an honor to her favorite actor, Jack Lord.
Lord was about to reprise the role of Felix Leiter in Goldfinger , but producer Albert R. Broccoli feared that his portrayal of 007s CIA partner would overshadow the persona of James Bond as the main character. The character part was recast, with Cec Linder as the new Leiter.
Was considered for the part of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek" , but was rejected by Gene Roddenberry and Desilu Studios but turned it down because he didnt like the role. According to William Shatner, Jack tried on the Captain Kirk uniform, looked at himself in a three-way mirror, and said, "There is no way Im playing this (expletive) role," and walked out.
Son died at age 12.
Originally wanted to be billed as "Jack Ryan," but discovered that another actor had already registered that name with Actors Equity. He wanted a short name, so he chose "Jack Lord" instead.
An FBI file regarding a stalker lists his height as 6 0", 2 inches shorter than his official biography.
A dedicated liberal activist, he was a vocal advocate of gun control in the United States.
Best remembered by the public for his starring role in Hawaii Five-O .
His estate donated $40 million to the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Was the first actor to play CIA Agent Felix Leiter in the "official" James Bond films, beginning with Dr. No . His real name, John Patrick Ryan, is also the name of the CIA Agent hero of Tom Clancy s novels. Both characters first appeared on film opposite Sean Connery.
Had an older brother, William (Bill), two younger brothers, Robert and Thomas, and a younger sister, Josephine. Josephine became an English professor.
Would get up every morning at three a.m. when he was working on Hawaii Five-O.
Liked to do fencing and go horseback riding and sailing.
Was of Irish and Spanish ancestry.
Graduated from John Adams High School in Ozone Park, Queens, in June of 1938. He played football, was the art editor of the yearbook, president of the Arts and Crafts Club, and was a member of the Young Scientists Club.
Diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in 1990.
Second wife and widow, Marie De Narde Lord was fifteen years his senior. She lived eight more years after his death living to be 100.
