The Truth About Jack Lord’s Tragic Final Days
Jack Lord was a beloved actor known for his role as Detective Steve McGarrett in the hit television series Hawaii Five-O. But in the lead up to his death, Jack’s life took a tragic turn, and the beloved TV star spent his final years as a recluse.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1920, Jack Lord was a prolific actor, having appeared in dozens of films and TV shows throughout his career. During the early sixties, Jack made numerous guest appearances on various TV programs and also starred in a show of his own as a rodeo cowboy in ABC’s contemporary Western Stony Burke. But it was his role in Hawaii Five-O, which began in 1968, that cemented his status as a TV icon.
On that show, Jack played the head of a fictional Hawaiian state police department for 12 seasons. The show was wildly popular, and Jack became known for his signature line, “Book ’em, Danno.” Due to his high level of perfectionism, there were those who had always thought that Jack was just a little bit difficult to work with, but it was during the final season of the show that things definitely got worse.
Everett Collection
Without a doubt, Jack was a complex person, especially on set. He could be charming one moment, and then difficult and demanding the next. Some of Jack’s co-stars felt like they had to walk on eggshells around him. There are those who believe that Jack’s increasingly erratic behavior during the final seasons of Hawaii Five-O was the first sign of trouble he was having remembering things. Others, including Jack himself, simply attributed it to exhaustion.
In 1978, Jack told journalist Nancy Anderson, “I’m running out of steam. I’m tired and I think I’d rather quit while I’m ahead.”
In that same interview, Jack also told her that he would retire from acting, his answer was an unwavering “no”. He told her: “I’ll never retire. I’m a worker. I was exposed to the work ethic very early in my life and accepted it, so I’ll work until I die.
When Hawaii Five-O concluded in 1980, Jack worked on one more project, a pilot for CBS called M Station: Hawaii, and then, contrary to his plans, he reluctantly retired from acting, devoting himself to his art collection and philanthropy.
Throughout his life, Jack tried to financially support organizations that he believed in. Things like helping the homeless, taking care of animals, and preserving the arts were important to him, so that’s the kind of stuff he supported.
You’ve heard the phrase “no good deed goes unpunished,” right? Well, that’s especially true in Jack’s case because sadly, after Jack retired, both his physical and mental health continued to decline. Because of that, he became increasingly reclusive and rarely left his home in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jack’s wife, fashion designer Marie De Narde, would often act as an intermediary between him and his fans or, worse, reporters. And although we didn’t know it then, she wasn’t trying to be difficult; but rather, she was doing everything that she could to protect her husband’s legacy.
On January 21, 1998, Jack Lord passed away at the age of 77. The cause of death was heart failure. The news of Jack’s passing was a shock to his fans and the entertainment industry as a whole. Without a doubt, Jack was dealt a rather tragic hand during his later years, but despite that, he remained a class act and will always be remembered, not only for his work on Hawaii Five-O, but for the type of human being that he was.
You know, the word “aloha” is a unique Hawaiian word with many meanings, ranging from love, peace, and compassion to pity and grief. It’s also used to say hello, and goodbye as well. Because of that, I can think of no better way to end this tribute than by saying, “aloha” to one of TV’s finest. Aloha and Mahalo, Jack Lord.
Puzzler '80s Comedy Classics
Vol 1, Issue 6
This issue is packed with puzzles and trivia from all your favorite '80s sitcoms.
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