J. Edgar Hoover
Today, 2 May, marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of J. Edgar Hoover, at age 77. For better or worse, he was the one who created the modern bureau, and brought it to international prominence as a law enforcement agency. Born on 1 January 1895 in Washington, DC, he lived his entire life there, and was FBI director from 1924 until his death.
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Forty-two years later, it was the turn of our own Efrem Zimbalist Jr., at 95. Born 30 November 1918 in New York City to violinist Efrem Zimbalist Sr. (1889-1985) and opera singer Alma Gluck (1884-1938), he led a very long and interesting life, which included working as a page at NBC in the Thirties; military service in World War II; and stage work after the war. This led to television work, and then a contract at Warner Brothers in 1956. Of course, after that, Mr. Zimbalist would go on to 77 Sunset Strip (1958-1964) and The FBI, as well as other work. He died 2 May 2014 in Solvang, California of natural causes, at the same age as his father.
28 April 1974
Last Thursday marked the 48th anniversary of the final new episode of The FBI on ABC, Survival. The series would continue in reruns until 8 September 1974. Seems hard to believe that it’s been nearly 50 years, but time marches on.