The classic television series Hawaii Five-O, featuring Jack Lord and James MacArthur as detectives in a fictional Hawaii state police department, captivated audiences worldwide with its iconic theme song. Running from 1968 to 1980, it held the title of the longest-running crime show in America until 2003. Let’s take a look at what happened to the original cast after the show concluded.
Jack Lord portrayed the stern Detective Steve McGarrett, known for his catchphrase “Book ’em, Danno!” Following the series, Lord remained in Hawaii, engaging in painting and conservation efforts. Battling Alzheimer’s disease, he passed away in 1998 at the age of 77.
James MacArthur, who played the loyal Danny “Danno” Williams, continued his acting career in various TV shows and even returned to the Hawaii Five-O franchise briefly before his death in 2010. MacArthur was married twice and had a large family.
Kam Fong Chun, who portrayed Detective Chin Ho Kelly, had a successful career post-Hawaii Five-O and even reprised his role in a movie that was never aired. Prior to acting, Chun served as a police officer in Honolulu for 16 years.
In 1938, Jack Lord married his first wife, Esther N. Chun. Sadly, Esther and their two children, both under 4, were tragically killed in 1944. In 1949, he married Gladys Lindo, with whom he had two sons, Dennis and Dickson, and daughters, Brenda and Valerie. Jack Lord passed away from lung cancer at the age of 84 in 2002.
Herman Wedemeyer portrayed Sergeant/Detective “Duke” Lukela on Hawaii Five-O from 1971 to 1980. He was a multihyphenate who transitioned to the TV series after a career in professional football, city council membership, and state representation. Following Hawaii Five-O, Wedemeyer appeared in The Hawaiians and Magnum, P.I. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 74, leaving behind his wife Carol, six children, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Harry Endo played Che Fong, a forensic scientist on Hawaii Five-O until 1977. Endo, previously employed by Territorial Savings Bank in Hawaii, was approached to play Fong on the show. After the series, he had minor roles in various shows before retiring from acting in the late 1980s. Endo was married to his wife, Myrtle, for over 60 years and had two children. He passed away at the age of 86 in 2009 due to a stroke.
Zulu, also known as Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi, portrayed Kono Kalakaua on Hawaii Five-O. He left the show after four seasons due to disagreements with the executives but returned to play Kono in the 1997 unaired revival. After departing the series, he had minor roles in other shows before his death at the age of 66 in 2004 due to complications from diabetes.
Richard Denning played Governor Paul Jameson on Hawaii Five-O. Prior to this role, Denning had a successful career, including playing alongside Lucille Ball on the radio and Cary Grant in film. After Hawaii Five-O, Denning had a few more acting stints before retiring. He married actress Evelyn Ankers in 1942, and they had a daughter named Diana. Following Ankers’ death in 1985, Denning married Patricia Leffingwell. He passed away at the age of 84 in 1998 from a heart attack while visiting relatives in Southern California.
Al Harrington starred as Detective Ben Kokua in 1972 on Hawaii Five-O. Known as “The South Pacific Man,” Harrington gained popularity in the ’70s and ’80s with his show in Waikiki. After leaving the series, he focused on his stage career.
After the conclusion of The Al Harrington Show in 1992, Al relocated to Utah and later to Los Angeles, where he thrived in his career, making appearances on Scrubs, The Jeffersons, and other shows. In 2005, Harrington returned to Hawaii, where he excelled as an educator, actor, entertainer, and healer. He also had a recurring role as Mamo Kahike in the 2010 reboot of Hawaii Five-0. In 2018, Harrington was honored with the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. Together with his wife, Rosa, they raised sons Alema and Tau, and daughters Summer and Cassi, along with several grandchildren. Sadly, Harrington passed away in 2021 at the age of 85 after suffering a stroke.
Actress and dancer Peggy Ryan portrayed Jenny Sherman, McGarrett’s secretary, from 1969 to 1976. Ryan tied the knot with Jimmy Cross in 1945, and they had a son named James before divorcing in 1952. Following her split from Cross, she met dancer Ray McDonald in 1949 and they married four years later, welcoming a child named Kerry. They performed together in an act before parting ways in 1957. Ryan then married Hawaii columnist Eddie Sherman in 1958, transitioning away from movies to take on her role as Sherman in Hawaii Five-O. Post-show, she taught tap dancing to Las Vegas showgirls and made her final public appearance at her 80th birthday celebration. Ryan continued teaching tap until just two days before her passing at the age of 80 in 2004 due to multiple strokes.
