Monday, May 5, 2014

Applauding the Life of Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

It's hard to believe we have to bid goodbye to one of our favorite actors, Efrem Zimblist, Jr. He's been there for us so many years on TV, in movies, and on stage. He passed away on Friday, May 2, 2014.
Actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr. and daughter, actress Stephanie Zimbalist attend the City of Hope's National Convention closing night gala on July 19, 2004 (Vince Bucci, Getty Images) 

If you are a Baby Boomer, you grew up watching "77 Sunset Strip" and watching Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. be the ever-confident assured Stu Bailey against the Roger Smith character of Jeff Spencer, in their office building on, say it with me, "77 Sunset Strip." Parking lot attendant Edward Byrnes (better known as Edd "Kookie" Byrnes) had one catch phrase of the time, "Kookie, lend me your comb." Catch the theme song and intro opening here. Talented TV legend Roy Huggins created this show.

Then, Zimbalist became a household name with the advent of the Quinn Martin Production, "The FBI."


Each week, your positive image of The FBI, the agency, was shaped by the portrayal of the agency's leaders as only Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. could impart confidence.

My tribute to Efrem is posted, together with 15 photos, here.