Actor James MacArthur, the son of actress Helen Hayes and widely known for his role as Detective Dan “Danno” Williams on the original “Hawaii Five-O” TV show, has died. He was 72.
MacArthur, who performed on stage, film and TV over a long career, died with his family by his side, his agent said.
He is survived by his wife of over 25 years, Helen Beth, four children, and seven grandchildren.
He spent 11 years on the popular “Five-O” from 1968 to 1979 playing the sidekick to top detective Steve McGarrett who, after catching a crook, would end episodes with the familiar phrase, “book ’em, Danno,” to his younger comrade.
Also, MacArthur enjoyed roles in a number of hit movies, such as Disney classic “Swiss Family Robinson” and alongside Clint Eastwood in “Hang ’em High.” It was on the Eastwood movie that producer Leonard Freeman saw MacArthur, and then called him to play Danno.
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