Today’s the 102nd birth anniversary of Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
We’ve reached that time of year when we have birthdays and death anniversaries of the lead cast members of The FBI. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. would have turned 102 today, had he lived. Born on 30 November 1918 in New York City, he died on 2 May 2014 in California.
In defense of the series …
Even as we remember our lead actor for the series, it’s hard to imagine the time that has passed by since the series began 55 years ago. The show can seem to disappear given the plethora of shows not just on cable TV, but also on the various apps that have sprung up in the last decade or so. While many of them DO air vintage shows, none seem to be airing The FBI, which is a real pity.
Despite the controversy the agency has had over the years, what the series did was provide over 240 interesting crime stories over a nine-year period, with a guest cast that ranged from such veteran performers as Gene Tierney and Jessica Tandy to newcomers such as Harrison Ford and Michael Douglas. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to see it again on a channel or app. At least we have the series on DVD!