Jack Lord as the Original Steve McGarrett
Jack Lord starred as Steve McGarrett in the original Hawaii Five-O, which ran from 1968 to 1980 on CBS. He was the lead actor and executive producer, shaping the show's format and tone. The character became an iconic law enforcement figure in American television history.
Lord's portrayal emphasized discipline, loyalty, and a strict moral code. His performance defined the serious, no-nonsense detective who led the elite state police task force. The role made him a household name and a symbol of 1970s crime drama.
Career and Business Ventures
Before Hawaii Five-O, Jack Lord had a successful career in film and theater. He studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York and appeared in Broadway productions. His early work included roles in movies such as The High and the Mighty and The Carpetbaggers.
Lord was also a shrewd businessman. He negotiated a unique contract for Hawaii Five-O that included a share of the show's profits and ownership of the format. This deal gave him long-term financial benefits and control over the production, a rare arrangement for a TV star at the time Forbes.
Hawaii Five-0 Legacy and Modern Franchise
The original Hawaii Five-O ran for 12 seasons and 281 episodes. It was one of the longest-running police dramas of its era and set a standard for location filming and action sequences. The show's theme music by Morton Stevens became instantly recognizable.
The franchise was revived in 2010 with Hawaii Five-0, which aired on CBS until 2020. The reboot starred Alex O'Loughlin as a modern version of Steve McGarrett. The new series updated the concept while honoring the legacy of Jack Lord's original portrayal CBS. The enduring popularity of the character continues to influence procedural dramas today IMDb.