The
first time I witnessed Jack Lord acting was way back in the early 1960s when he
starred in the TV Western Stoney Burke.
Although the show only lasted one season, Jack’s acting and presence stuck with me.
As I grew older and watched more ‘mature’ movies I was surprised to see Jack Lord playing C.I.A. agent Felix Leiter in the first James Bond movie: Dr. No.
During the sixties I continued to see Lord in a number of small TV roles.
It wasn’t until Hawaii Five-O came out in 1968 that I really got to witness Jack’s acting chops.
The man was incredible as Steve McGarrett, head of the special crime-fighting force of Hawaii.
Over the 12 year run of the series Jack perfected the role and went on to be an international star.
Sadly in the late 1990s Jack passed away from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Although primarily know as McGarrett Jack’s career as an actor spanned the stage, film and TV.
He was known as a consummate perfectionist expecting only the best out of performers-
including himself. He did not tolerate fools lightly and yet he was a generous (it somewhat volatile) man who loved Hawaii and its people and became a huge promoter of the islands.
Although the show only lasted one season, Jack’s acting and presence stuck with me.
As I grew older and watched more ‘mature’ movies I was surprised to see Jack Lord playing C.I.A. agent Felix Leiter in the first James Bond movie: Dr. No.
During the sixties I continued to see Lord in a number of small TV roles.
It wasn’t until Hawaii Five-O came out in 1968 that I really got to witness Jack’s acting chops.
The man was incredible as Steve McGarrett, head of the special crime-fighting force of Hawaii.
Over the 12 year run of the series Jack perfected the role and went on to be an international star.
Sadly in the late 1990s Jack passed away from dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Although primarily know as McGarrett Jack’s career as an actor spanned the stage, film and TV.
He was known as a consummate perfectionist expecting only the best out of performers-
including himself. He did not tolerate fools lightly and yet he was a generous (it somewhat volatile) man who loved Hawaii and its people and became a huge promoter of the islands.
In author Sylvia D. Lynch’s new book: An Acting Life Jack Lord, published by McFarland Publishing, Jack’s impressive acting career is chronicled.
From his early days as bit player to his super-stardom as Steve McGarrett he never lost his focus or professionalism.
Drawn from Jack Lord’s personal archives the book reveals the man behind the actor, his life, his career, his family and the impact he had on those around him and the acting community.