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BORN
1918
DIED
2014
Efrem Zimbalist Obituary
A prolific actor who also appeared in numerous films and stage productions, Zimbalist became a household name in 1958 as Stu Bailey, the wisecracking private investigator who was a co-partner in a swinging Hollywood detective agency located at the exclusive address of "77 Sunset Strip."
When the show of the same name ended in 1964, Zimbalist became an even bigger star playing the empathetic, methodical G-man Lewis Erskine in "The F.B.I."
The actor, who in recent years had retired to his ranch in Southern California's bucolic horse country, died there Friday at age 95.
"We are heartbroken to announce the passing into peace of our beloved father, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., today at his Solvang ranch," the actor's daughter Stephanie Zimbalist and son Efrem Zimbalist III said in a statement. "He actively enjoyed his life to the last day, showering love on his extended family, playing golf and visiting with close friends."
Zimbalist's stunning good looks and cool, deductive manner made him an instant star when "77 Sunset Strip" began its six-season run in 1958.
He and his partner Jeff Spencer (played by Roger Smith) operated from an office in the center of Hollywood where, aided by their sometime helper, Kookie, a jive-talking beatnik type who doubled as a parking lot attendant, they tracked down miscreants.
Kookie's character, played by Edd Byrnes, helped draw young viewers to the show, and his constant hair combing created the national catchphrase, "Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb."
When the program's run ended in 1964, Zimbalist segued seamlessly into "The F.B.I." the following year and that program aired until 1974.
At the end of each episode, after Zimbalist and his fellow G-men had captured that week's mobsters, subversives, bank robbers or spies, the series would post real photos from the FBI's most-wanted list. Some of them led to arrests, which helped give the show the complete seal of approval of the agency's real-life director, J. Edgar Hoover.
"He never came on the set, but I knew him. A charming man, extremely Virginia formal and an extraordinary command of the language," Zimbalist said of Hoover, who opened the bureau's files to the show's producers and even allowed background shots to be filmed at real FBI offices.
In 2009 the FBI honored Zimbalist with his own special agent's badge, making him an honorary G-man in recognition of the contributions his show and his character made to the agency's reputation.
"We could not have asked for a better character, or a better man, to play his role," FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III said at the time.
The son of violin virtuoso Efrem Zimbalist and acclaimed opera singer Alma Gluck, young Efrem initially appeared headed for a musical career himself. He studied violin for seven years under the tutelage of Jascha Heifetz's father, but eventually developed more interest in theater.
After serving in World War II, he made his stage debut in "The Rugged Path," starring Spencer Tracy, and appeared in other plays and a soap opera before being called to Hollywood. Warner Bros. signed him to a contract and cast him in minor film roles.
He also had a recurring role in the hit Western series "Maverick," playing con man Dandy Jim Buckley.
Then "77 Sunset Strip" debuted, starring Zimbalist as a cultured former O.S.S. officer and language expert whose partner was an Ivy League Ph.D.
The program brought Zimbalist an Emmy nomination in 1959, but after a few seasons he tired of the long hours and what he believed were the bad scripts.
"A job like this should pay off in one of two ways: satisfaction or money. The money is not great, and there is no satisfaction," he said.
When the show faltered in 1963, Jack Webb of "Dragnet" fame was hired for an overhaul. He fired the cast except for Zimbalist, whom he made a world-traveling investigator. The repair work failed, and the series ended the following year.
Zimbalist had better luck with "The F.B.I.," which endured for a decade as one of TV's most popular shows.
His daughter Stephanie also took up acting - and small-screen detective work, in the hit 1980s TV series "Remington Steele." Her father had a recurring role in that show, again playing a con man.
During summer breaks between his two hit series, Warner Bros. cast Zimbalist in several feature films, including "Too Much Too Soon," ''Home Before Dark," ''The Crowded Sky," ''The Chapman Report" and "Wait Until Dark." In the latter, he played the husband of Audrey Hepburn, a blind woman terrorized by thugs in a truly frightening film.
Zimbalist also appeared in "By Love Possessed," ''Airport 1975," ''Terror Out of the Sky" and "Hot Shots."
But he would always be best known as a TV star, ironic for an actor who told The Associated Press in 1993 that when Warner Bros. hired him he had no interest in doing television.
"They showed me in my contract where it said I had to," he recalled.
"I ended up with my life slanted toward television and I just accept that," he said. "I think you play the hand the way it's dealt, that's all."
In the 1990s, Zimbalist returned to television, recording the voice of Alfred the butler in the cartoon version of the "Batman" TV series. That role, he said, "has made me an idol in my little grandchildren's eyes."
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. was born in New York City on Nov. 30, 1918.
His mother, reasoning that living amid the musical elite was not the best upbringing for a boy, sent him to boarding schools where he could be toughened by others his age. But young Efrem was bashful and withdrawn in school. His only outlet was acting in campus plays.
"I walked onstage in a play at prep school, and with childish naiveté, told myself, 'Wow, I'm an actor!'" he once recalled.
He was kicked out of Yale after two years over dismal grades, which he blamed on a playboy attitude.
Afraid to go home, he stayed with a friend in New York City for three months, working as a page at NBC headquarters, where he was dazzled by the famous radio stars. Unable to break into radio as an actor, he studied at the famed Neighborhood Playhouse.
During World War II he served in the infantry, receiving a Purple Heart for a shrapnel wound in his leg.
In 1945, Zimbalist married Emily McNair and they had a daughter, Nancy, and son, Efrem III.
After his wife died in 1950 he gave up acting for a time to teach at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, where his father was an artist in residence. He returned to Hollywood five years later, marrying Loranda Stephanie Spalding in 1956, and she gave birth to their daughter Stephanie.
Zimbalist was preceded in death by his second wife and by his daughter Nancy.
In addition to his son and other daughter, Stephanie, he is survived by four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
___
JOHN ROGERS, Associated Press
Biographical material in this story was written by The Associated Press' late Hollywood correspondent, Bob Thomas.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Efrem Zimbalist
240 Entries
Harry Simpson
May 3, 2016
Rest Efrem, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
April 5, 2016
It's been almost two years and I think of you every day -- I was your biggest fan. RIP - pkw
Denise Simpson
February 19, 2015
I fell in love with you when you played an empathic friend and lover to Jean Simmon's tortured character in "Home Before Dark." You will be sorely missed.
nancy span
February 17, 2015
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. .AS A KID I WENT ICE SKATING WITH UR DAUGHTER AND YOU WOULD TIE MY ICE SKATES.WARM MEMORIES. .R.I.P. .
S Haynes
November 29, 2014
Prayers with the family. He was a wonderful actor. He will be missed.
Syndie Bosquet
July 14, 2014
Condolences to your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the encouraging words from the Bible at 2 Cor 1:3.
Joyce Kellerian
June 12, 2014
May you rest in peace. You will be missed very much.
George Lawson
May 25, 2014
God Bless the Family at this time. Prayers for you all.
Helen Thompson- Johnson
May 20, 2014
A great man loved him. My prayers to his Family and Friends. He will be missed but never Forgotten. RIP MY FRIEND??????
carolyn caiazza
May 20, 2014
I'm very sorry for the loss of a great man same age as my mom and great actor and storyteller and he lived along time and god bless his family
Richard Herrick
May 17, 2014
R.I.P.
Diane Wilkins
May 17, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends he leaves behind. He was a wonderful actor. God bless
Dominique Anderson
May 17, 2014
My prayers are with your family and close friends. God draws close to those who are broken hearted and will help you through this. ( Psalm 34 : 6 )
May 16, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
J Stokes
May 16, 2014
Zimbalist was always a great entertainer. I enjoyed watching him in the FBI and Remmington Steele.
Charlene Benoit
May 15, 2014
you will be missed
Carol Cain
May 15, 2014
He was one of the finest. I am so sorry for your loss.
May 15, 2014
Eternal rest.
May 14, 2014
So sorry for your loss I always admired him for his wonderful voice and overall attitude in everything he did He lived a long and wonderful life God Bless him
L.L
May 14, 2014
Mr. Zimbalist was a good actor. I'm extending my condolences to the family. I understand, how heartbreaking can be the loss of a loved one. May our Heavenly Father grant his family and those closer to him, the strength and comfort to deal with their pain - for He can become our Strong Tower and Refuge.
May 14, 2014
Efrem III, Stephanie and Family,
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear father. Our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers are with you at this difficult times. He will be missed by all of his family, friends and those who knew him. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
Cheryl Landin
May 12, 2014
Stephanie, I am very sorry to hear you have lost your Dad. I loved to watch him in the F.B.I. when I was growing up. He will surely be missed by his fans and I know you & your family will miss him very much. Let God's hand comfort you and give you strength to get through the days ahead.
Take care and God bless you. Rest in peace, Mr. Zimbalist. You are a fine actor.
Pam
May 12, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss, yet you were so lucky to have such a great father & that he lived to his golden age. Still being able to play golf & enjoy his friends & family. I remember watching your Dad on TV as a child. His voice & good looks were even noticeable to a young child. I'm glad he lived a long wonderful life.
Harry Simpson
May 12, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Mikki Brantley
May 11, 2014
Heaven is a more beautiful place with him home now.
Bless your family.
Alan Morris
May 10, 2014
I offer my heartfelt condolences to everyone in the Zimbalist family and grieve with you and many other ordinary people who have also loved and appreciated Mr. Zimbalist over the years for all his contributions. I was in the room when FBI Director Mueller presented Mr. Zimbalist with recognition as an honorary FBI Special Agent. Mr. Zimbalist truly inspired many people to serve honorably with the FBI. We will remember him as a national treasure. RIP. God bless.
Connie Force
May 10, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss of this wonderful actor. I always love watching him in his films. He will greatly be missed. May God be with you and let God bless you always. RIP our dear friend.
Nancy Boyd-Wood
May 10, 2014
Thanks for all the memories you will be sadly missed
LISA ALATORRE
May 10, 2014
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.I WASA GREAT FAN.
Dianne
May 9, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., will be fondly missed and he is precious in God's eyes.
May 9, 2014
Thank you Mr Zimbalist for your quiet but unswerving devotion and faith. 77 Sunset Strip remains one of my favorite shows. You touched many lives.
Fred R
May 9, 2014
Condolences for your family he was a great actor May you have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and The Lord Jesus Christ Romans 1:7
Phyllis
May 9, 2014
Loved Mr. Zimbalist Jr. Sorry for your Loss.
May 8, 2014
Mr. Zimbalist was a gentleman who wll always be remembered for his talent. His generation of stars will never be seen again for their wonderful performances. May his family be surrounded by love and peace at this very sorrowful time. JM Austerlitz, NY
May 7, 2014
I have always loved hearing his bible reading on TBN. He will be remembered.
My prayers go out for his family at this difficult time.
Cherry
May 7, 2014
Mr. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Was not afraid of life adventures, he went thru life pathways with courage. Surely he will be missed by family and friends. Loved all his public performance. Psalms 37:29 speaks of the righteous and Mr. Zimbalist Jr. Was certainly a righteous man.
Miami Fl.
Russell Grand
May 7, 2014
A great performer and credit to his profession!
Gwen Cawthon
May 7, 2014
I know heaven is rejoicing as his was such an inspiration to see him on TBN. Praying for his family.
Tina Morgan
May 7, 2014
Please accept my condolences for your loss may these words bring comfort for the whole family at 1Corrinth 15:58 which says that DEATH WILL BE Swallow up forever I HOPE THESE promise of GOD WILL BRING the family a hope for the future and a calm heart now TINA LOS Angeles
Joyce Minard Hancock
May 7, 2014
Sorry to hear your loss
Gloria
May 7, 2014
My condolences to you and your family. Me & my family always admired you father's work! He was one of a kind actor. May he rest in peace.
JPW
May 7, 2014
May I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your dear father. Enjoyed watching him in the FBI. Please know that you are not alone, the God of all comfort is close to the brokenhearted and he promises to comfort your heart.
Sue Meyers
May 7, 2014
God bless you. I will miss your wonderful readings after church service on TBN. You read in such a way that it held your attention. You will be missed.
Sue Meyers & Family, DeLand, Florida
May 7, 2014
So sorry a great actor
Peggy Blair
May 7, 2014
Thank you, for allowing us to know this wonderful man. May God fill your hearts with the joy of His love for Efrem.
May 7, 2014
May you take comfort in God's promises. Especially restoring EFREM back to his youthful vigor.
(Job 33:25) Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.'
Lora Givens
May 7, 2014
He was also a wonderful Christian also and his love for the Lord really shined through and through. I pray for you all that you will experience the same peace that passes all understanding that he had as a Christian.
darlene williams
May 6, 2014
Great actor,our prayers are with you , for the loss of your love one.
Lou Spironello
May 6, 2014
So sorry for your loss. He was a class act,a man who I would of enjoyed meeting,because he seemed so down do earth.I was nine years old when I started watching 77 sunset strip,and every Sunday night my family and I would watch the FBI.
Delbert "Dellie Goose" Hutchinson
May 6, 2014
Dear Zimbalist Family I Watched Your Dad In 77 Sunset Strip As Stuart Bailey And Inspector Lewis Erskine On The FBI Now It Is Seen On DVD
Dellie Goose
Gloria Keith
May 6, 2014
If I am not mistaken he played on 77 Sunset Strip. That was when I was a child and I was born in 1956.If I am wrong please forgive. He was a great actor. S.I.P.
Timothy Little
May 6, 2014
Great actor and gentleman. Not many left like him in Hollywwd.
May 6, 2014
from maverick on a understated popular actor and good man tom crotty
Kay Reckord Ames
May 6, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful actor and I loved 77 Sunset Strip and the FBI program and tried not to miss anything he appeared in. It is a great loss to the industry. Hold on to those wonderful memories to help you during this very difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Julia Tirado-Tyson
May 6, 2014
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF EFREM ZIMBALIST JR
MY MOTHER AND I WOULD WATCH YOUR DAD ON TV FAITHFULLY (FBI). HE WAS A HANSOME MAN AND GREAT ACTOR. WE LOVED HIM AND HAD A CRUSH ON HIM. MAY THE LOVE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS CARRY YOU THROUGH YOUR GRIEF. HE IS GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. HEAVEN WANTED ANOTHER ANGEL AND GOD CHOSE HIM.
REST IN PEACE!
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND THE FBI!
SORROWFULLY SUBMITTED
ELEANOR TIRADO
TRENTON NJ
JULIA TIRADO-TYSON
MORRISVILLE, PA
May 6, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May Jehovah be with your family.
Diane Johnston
May 6, 2014
My condolences to his family. I will always remember meeting him in the doctors office where I worked (way back around 1972'ish). He was just so "regular" and nice. And, I'm so glad I had the pleasure of seeing him acting with Stephanie in "The Night of the Iguana" at the Rubicon Theatre Company's Laurel Theater.
Rest in peace Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.
Rufus Thompson
May 6, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mary and Donald Montero
May 6, 2014
to the family, May he rest in peace. We enjoyed watching him on tv while we were young. May God give you comfort at this time. RIP, "Lew Erskine", you were the best.
ed
May 6, 2014
with deep sympathy for your loss. may it comfort you that Ifrem will return to his youthful vigor as promised at job 33: 25.
May 6, 2014
To the family of such a famous man I'm so sorry for your loss. There is comfort in gods word. Job chapter fourteen verse fourteen and fifteen. Gives us the idea the dead can live again.
Matt McGrath
May 6, 2014
My condolences to Mr. Zimbalist's family. I have been a fan since 77 Sunset Strip days. A fine actor with great natural class and charm. A patriot who stood up for the FBI when it was not popular to do so. I had not known of his distinguished service in WW2. God Bless.
Ann L
May 6, 2014
Condolences to the family of Efrem Zimbalist Jr. -
It brought me back in time just hearing the name Efrem Zimbalist Jr. All of us fans here in this guest book can say that from what we knew of him he made a very good name for himself and we will always have a place for him in our memory. The thing of most importance is to live our lives so that one achieves a good name with God and remain in his memory.
May 6, 2014
I WILL CHERISH AND KEEP THE MESSAGE HE LEFT ME ON MY PHONE, JUST 2 MONTHS AGO. GOD BLESS YOU EFREM AND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO STEPHANIE, SKIP AND ALL THE GRANDCHILDREN. HE GAVE ME MY CAREER, MY LIFE, WAS IN MY WEDDING AND I MADE SURE HE KNEW MY FEELINGS TOWARDS HIM JUST 2 MONTHS AGO.
BY FOR NOW EFREM
BILL JACKSON
PAHRUMP,NEVADA
A Fan
May 6, 2014
To the family, may you find comfort in Christ's promise..."tho he be dead, yet shall he live."
Mr. Zimbalist was one of my parents' favorite actors. We never missed 77 Sunset Strip (snapping my fingers!) nor The F.B.I. Thank you sir, for the wonderful memories.
Nancy Hastey
May 6, 2014
So sad to read about Mr. Zimbalist passing. I will always remember his as amazing actor but more amazing was his christian faith. I am so sorry for your loss.
Joan Holloway
May 6, 2014
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. was a fantastic actor and person . Such a handsome man right until his death . I loved 77 Sunset Strip ...my favorite show . Mr. Zimbalist thank you for serving our Country ! RIP... Deepest Sympathy to his Family !
Coralie Oliveira
May 6, 2014
I was sorry to read that beloved Efram Zimbalist has left this earth. He was a memorable human being both on and off the screen with a beautiful family. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. I feel that through him we were able to know him as best we could. He shared the joy of living with us.
Coralie Oliveira
Rhode Island
May 6, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
With Love the- Robinson family.
May 6, 2014
A good actor is so hard to fine
Efrem was special He will always be in our memories, We
will miss Him.2Co 9:7
A Fan
May 6, 2014
What a handsome and great actor. I enjoyed watching him. I know family and friends will miss him dearly. John 5:28,39
May 6, 2014
With deepest condolences. We are never prepared for such a deep loss so I hope you find some comfort in your memories & joys and know sickness, pain and death that we deal with now will one day be no more for this has been promised to us.
Phyllis Bauer
May 6, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Zimbalist family. A great actor and person gone but never forgotten.
rick reischmann
May 5, 2014
Thankyou for your service..A great actor.RIP
Patricia A. Ware
May 5, 2014
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. You were the best. I use to watch 77 Sunset Strip every week. Loved it, especially watching kookie drive up in that convertable, get out and lean up against the car and cross his legs, whip out that comb,and comb his hair. I thought that was cool. May God Bless your entire family and dear friends, and give comfort, peace and strength to endure such a very painful time in their lives. You rest in peace. Family always keep your minds on JESUS, the only one that can give you PEACE especially now.
Peter Jagiella
May 5, 2014
God bless the family`and the FBI
Anne Jackson Harpist
May 5, 2014
Heard so many times your velvet voice reading Holy scripture...Godspeed! Heaven's gain!
mary theresa martini
May 5, 2014
what a great actor he was. rest in peaceand I hope your daughter and the rest of the family are doing ok at this time of sorrow. remember the good things about efrem
Robert Hurt
May 5, 2014
Another excellent actor from the wealth of actors from America's greatest generation that served in our WWII military. They served the country in many ways. You are missed but not forgotten.
Liz Fisher
May 5, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss, I always loved Efrem starting when I was a child and watching him on "The F.B.I." and "77 Sunset Strip" Later on I was lucky enough to meet him and take a Picture with him at a Golfing event in Westlake... I will cherish that photo always.... Rest Well Efrem Zimbalist Jr. You will Always Be Missed ...... God Bless
michelle plakas-kaiser
May 5, 2014
rip
May 5, 2014
What a great actor and a great human being,,,,will miss him on,,,, TBN.. his readings were just GREAT
May 5, 2014
Please accept my condolences. May your family find comfort and hope in drawing close to God at this most difficult time in your lives.
[James 4:8]
Susan Miller
May 5, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Memories r so vivid right now. Watching tv with my parents when I was growing up was such a good time with Mr Zimbalist starring in his show. RIP Mr Zimbalist we will miss u
Pastor A.Marie Mosley
May 5, 2014
I love watching him on T.V. In (77 sunset strip) and ( The F.B.I.) and in the movies that he did.He was a great Actor,.But I also loved to see him on T.B.N. He will be missed very much by me. .
May 5, 2014
Deepest sympathy to your family. Seeing him so willing to share his belief in God, I'm sure He's caring for him now. God bless.
Someone who's watched a talented craftsman through the years - PJ in Ohio
Reed
May 5, 2014
Offering my deepest condolences to Mr Zimbalist family. May God grant you strength and courage as you face the coming days.
Ronald Jackson
May 5, 2014
I never met or worked with any better star than Efrem. The man was a first class gentleman, star and person. Efrem is covered in my new book being released soon. A great loss and will be missed. Ronald Jackson, formerly Buck Owens & the Buckaroos.
Charlene Lewis
May 5, 2014
Mr.Zimbalist will truly be missed by all
Karla
May 5, 2014
I remember watching him on TV with my parents. He will be missed.
Diane Johnson
May 5, 2014
I loved to hear you read the scripture on TBN. See you later
May 5, 2014
May the God of Comfort extend peace to you and your family (2 Cor 1: 2-4) B. Porter
David Bentley
May 5, 2014
Watched him faithfully. He will be missed by all
Faye
May 5, 2014
Dear Zimbalist family,
May his spirit live on in each of you . As it will live on in the memories of the American people for the contribution he brought to TV and other area's of media.
But the highlight of my years was remembering his engaging voice to read the BIBLE ON TV programs.
What a timely man to embrace America's GOD . WHOM WE call JESUS CHRIST and for all the Israelite people HIS Hebrew name was YESHUA . THE anointed ONE and Messiah GOD sent to Israel by the WILL OF GOD !
Mr. Zimblist we loved and appreciate the man of character you were . And your presence in America will be greatly missed .
GOD LOVE YOU AND now you are in the presence of the KINGDOM OF GOD !
Shalom, hugs and prayers to all,
Faye Mattox
Rosalinda Morales
May 5, 2014
My mother and I would watch your dad on TV faithfully. He was just so handsome and we loved his voice. May your family be at peace.
Carol Bonacchi
May 5, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. I enjoyed 77 Sunset Strip and it was great seeing him on Remington. Steel. May God. Bless
Connie Flowers
May 5, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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