Hi! Today, we’re going to delve into the life of an unforgettable figure in the world of television, Jack Lord. Best known for his role as Detective Steve McGarrett in the classic TV series “Hawaii Five-O,” Lord left a lasting impression on viewers with his strong screen presence and characteristic style. Join us as we explore his early life, acting career, and net worth to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the icon.
Net Worth: $50 Million
Date of Birth: Dec 30, 1920
Place of Birth: Brooklyn
Gender: Male
Profession: Actor, Artist, Film Producer, Film Director, Television Director
Jack Lord Early Life
Born John Joseph Patrick Ryan on December 30, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, Jack Lord grew up in a typical working-class Irish-American family. His father, William Lawrence Ryan, worked as a steamship company executive, while his mother, Josephine O’Brien, was a homemaker. As a young boy, Lord developed a keen interest in art, inspired by his mother’s love of painting.
Lord attended John Adams High School in Queens, where he excelled in sports and academics. After high school, he enrolled at New York University, pursuing a degree in Fine Arts. However, World War II interrupted his studies, as Lord joined the United States Merchant Marine, where he served from 1942 to 1945.
Following the war, Lord returned to NYU, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. He then set off to explore his artistic passions, traveling throughout Europe to study under renowned painters like Oskar Kokoschka and Fernand Léger. While Lord’s primary focus was on art, he found himself drawn to the stage, making his Broadway debut in 1949’s “The Traveling Lady.”
Jack Lord Personal Life
Jack Lord’s personal life was a testament to his loyalty and devotion. He married Marie De Narde in 1949, and their union lasted nearly five decades until his passing in 1998. Marie was a fashion designer, and the couple first met when Jack was working as a sales representative for her company. Their marriage was a strong partnership, with Marie providing unwavering support to Jack throughout his career.
The couple did not have any children, but they shared a deep love for animals, particularly dogs. They were also committed to giving back to their community, focusing their philanthropic efforts on supporting the people of Hawaii, the state they called home for many years.
Jack Lord Career
Jack Lord’s acting career spanned four decades, encompassing stage, film, and television. After his Broadway debut in 1949, he continued to perform on stage while simultaneously breaking into the world of television. His early TV appearances included roles in popular series such as “The Untouchables,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Wagon Train.”
Lord’s film career gained momentum in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with roles in movies like “God’s Little Acre” (1958), “The Hangman” (1959), and “Dr. No” (1962), where he played CIA agent Felix Leiter in the first James Bond film. However, it was the television series “Hawaii Five-O” that would define his career and solidify his status as a leading man.
As the star and executive producer of “Hawaii Five-O,” Jack Lord played a significant role in shaping the show’s direction and success. He insisted on authenticity and attention to detail in the series, incorporating local Hawaiian culture and using real-life locations for filming. Lord also championed the hiring of local talent, providing opportunities for many Hawaiian actors and crew members to work on the show.
After “Hawaii Five-O” concluded in 1980, Jack Lord largely retreated from the public eye, choosing to focus on his art and charitable endeavors. He occasionally appeared in interviews and reunions related to the show, but his final on-screen appearance was in the “Hawaii Five-O” series finale, titled “Woe to Wo Fat.”
In 2010, a reboot of “Hawaii Five-O” premiered, introducing a new generation to the adventures of Steve McGarrett and his team. Although the new series features a different cast and updated storylines, the original show’s spirit and Jack Lord’s influence remain evident in its continued success.
Jack Lord Net Worth
Jack Lord’s acting career took off in the 1950s, with appearances in television shows such as “Studio One in Hollywood” and “The Philco Television Playhouse.” His big break came in 1957 when he starred alongside James Cagney in the film “Man of a Thousand Faces.” Lord’s performance caught the attention of Hollywood, and he quickly became a sought-after actor.
Despite his growing success in film, Lord’s most memorable role came in 1968 when he was cast as the lead in the television series “Hawaii Five-O.” The show ran for 12 seasons, from 1968 to 1980, and catapulted Lord to international fame. Known for its catchy theme song and stunning Hawaiian backdrops, “Hawaii Five-O” became a cultural phenomenon, with Lord’s character, Steve McGarrett, at its core.
Lord’s portrayal of the no-nonsense, tough-as-nails detective resonated with viewers, turning him into a household name. As a result, he earned a significant income throughout the show’s run, with his salary peaking at $100,000 per episode in the final seasons. His accumulated wealth allowed him to indulge in his love of art, amassing a valuable collection of paintings and sculptures.
At the time of his death on January 21, 1998, Jack Lord’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million. In a testament to his character and generosity, he left the majority of his estate to various Hawaiian charities, including the Jack and Marie Lord Fund, which provides financial assistance to the residents of Hawaii for their healthcare needs.
