What Ever Happened to the Cast of “Hawaii Five-O?”

The iconic police procedural drama, Hawaii Five-O, captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with its memorable theme song and captivating storyline. The show, which aired from 1968 to 1980, followed Detective Steve McGarrett and his team as they solved crimes for a fictional Hawaii state police department. Let’s dive into what the original cast of Hawaii Five-O has been up to since the show ended.

Jack Lord, who portrayed the stern Detective Steve McGarrett, was a cornerstone of the series with his famous catchphrase, “Book ’em, Danno!” After the show concluded, Lord chose to remain in Hawaii, where he maintained a low profile, focusing on his passion for painting and wildlife conservation efforts like Save the Whales. Sadly, Lord battled Alzheimer’s disease for several years before passing away from congestive heart failure in 1998 at the age of 77.

James MacArthur, known for his role as Danny “Danno” Williams, McGarrett’s devoted partner, continued to make appearances on various television shows post-Hawaii Five-O. MacArthur’s love for golf led him to win the 2002 Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament. Tragically, MacArthur passed away at the age of 72 before he could reprise his role in the CBS primetime remake of Hawaii Five-0.

Kam Fong Chun, who portrayed Detective Chin Ho Kelly for ten seasons, had a diverse career that included roles in other shows like Magnum, P.I. after his time on Hawaii Five-O. Chun’s personal life was marked by tragedy when his first wife and two children were killed in a devastating event in 1944. He remarried and had a family before succumbing to lung cancer in 2002 at the age of 84.

Herman Wedemeyer, who played Sergeant/Detective “Duke” Lukela, transitioned to acting after a successful career in professional football and politics. Wedemeyer continued to appear in television and film roles post-Hawaii Five-O, including parts in The Hawaiians and Magnum, P.I. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 74, leaving behind a sizable family.

Harry Endo, known for his role as Che Fong, the forensic scientist on the show, had a brief acting career after the series ended. Endo retired in the late 1980s but returned to reprise his role as Fong in a 1997 television movie. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 86, leaving behind his wife of over 60 years and their two children.

Zulu, born Gilbert Francis Lani Damian Kauhi, played Kono Kalakaua and left the show due to disagreements with executives. He continued to act in various roles after his time on Hawaii Five-O. Sadly, complications from diabetes led to his passing at the age of 66 in 2004.

Richard Denning, who portrayed Governor Paul Jameson, was a seasoned actor with a career that included roles opposite celebrities like Cary Grant. Denning passed away in 1998 at the age of 84 from a heart attack while visiting relatives in Southern California.

Al Harrington, known for his role as Detective Ben Kokua, had a multifaceted career that included acting, performing, and healing. After appearing in the Hawaii Five-0 reboot, Harrington received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. His passing in 2021 at 85 marked the end of a vibrant and successful career.

Peggy Ryan, who played Jenny Sherman, McGarrett’s secretary, had a colourful personal life that included multiple marriages and a career as a dancer and actress. Ryan passed away in 2004 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy in the entertainment industry. The talented cast of Hawaii Five-O made a lasting impact both on-screen and off, and their contributions to television will always be remembered.