Jack Lord Net Worth

What was Jack Lord's net worth?

Jack Lord was an American actor, producer, director, and philanthropist who had a net worth of $40 million at the time of his death in 1998. That's the same as around $60 million in today's dollars.

Jack Lord carved his place in television history as the stoic, charismatic Steve McGarrett on "Hawaii Five-O," a role he played for twelve years that helped establish the template for the modern police procedural drama. Beyond his iconic portrayal of McGarrett, Lord was a multifaceted artist who worked in theater, film, and television, while also pursuing interests in painting and photography. His commanding presence and distinctive acting style made him one of the most recognizable television stars of his era, while his deep connection to Hawaii and commitment to philanthropy left a lasting legacy that extended far beyond his entertainment career.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born John Joseph Patrick Ryan on December 30, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, Lord came from a working-class Irish-American family. His father's career as a steamship company executive exposed young Jack to maritime life, leading to his attendance at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He served as a merchant marine during World War II, an experience that would later inform his authentic portrayal of naval and law enforcement roles. After the war, Lord pursued an art career before turning to acting, studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and working in various stage productions.

(Photo by Film Favorites/Getty Images)

Rise to Television Stardom

Lord's breakthrough came in 1954 with his role as Stoney Burke in the rodeo-themed television series of the same name. While the show lasted only one season, it demonstrated Lord's ability to carry a series as a leading man. He made notable appearances in films such as "God's Little Acre" (1958) and was even considered for the role of Felix Leiter in the first James Bond film, "Dr. No" (1962). However, it was his casting as Steve McGarrett in "Hawaii Five-O" in 1968 that would define his career and cement his place in television history.

Hawaii Five-O

Jack is best remembered for playing the iconic role of Det. Steve McGarrett on the TV series Hawaii Five-O. The show premiered in 1968, and Jack would go on to appear in all 281 episodes over 12 seasons through 1980. At the time the show ended, it was the longest-running cop show in television history.

The show was instrumental in popularizing Hawaii, specifically Honolulu, to millions of mainstream Americans. Jack was also insistent that the show hire local Hawaiian actors as opposed to actors flown in from the mainland US. Lord's catchphrase "Book 'em Danno" would also become iconic. Lord took an active role behind the scenes as well, serving as producer and maintaining high standards for the show's production values.

Jack owned 1/3 of the show's backend alongside show creator Leonard Freeman and CBS. When Freeman died in 1974, a new contract was forged with CBS that made Lord the executive producer with 100% creative control over the content.

(via Getty)

Artistic Pursuits

Lesser known but equally significant was Lord's work as a visual artist. An accomplished painter, he studied at New York University and had his work displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His paintings, which often featured maritime themes and Hawaiian landscapes, reflected his deep connection to both his maritime background and his adopted home. Lord was also an avid photographer, documenting life in Hawaii and creating a substantial body of work beyond his television career.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Lord's commitment to Hawaii extended far beyond his television work. Together with his wife Marie, he became deeply involved in local charitable causes. Jack and Marie invested his television money into a lucrative portfolio of stocks, bonds and real estate. The Lords lived modestly despite their wealth, choosing to save their money for philanthropic purposes. Upon his death in 1998, Lord left an estate valued at approximately $40 million, the majority of which was bequeathed to Hawaiian charities. The Jack and Marie Lord Fund, established at the Hawaii Community Foundation, continues to support various local organizations, including the Honolulu Academy of Arts and multiple Hawaiian educational institutions.

Their donations have funded everything from art education programs to medical research at local hospitals. The Lords were particularly interested in supporting Hawaiian culture and arts, making significant contributions to preserve traditional Hawaiian crafts and cultural practices. Their generosity has had a lasting impact on Hawaii's cultural and educational landscape, with numerous institutions benefiting from their philanthropy.

At the time of its founding, it was projected that the fund would generate $1.5 – $2 million per year in dividends which would be distributed to 12 Hawaiian nonprofits. Those nonprofits include Hospice Hawaii, St. Francis Hospice Care Center, The Association for Retarded Citizens in Hawaii, and the Hawaiian Human Society. Their longtime condo was also sold, with the proceeds benefiting the foundation.

Personal Life and Final Years

Lord was known for his professionalism and intense dedication to his craft. He married Marie de Narde in 1949, and their partnership lasted until his death. After "Hawaii Five-O" ended, Lord largely retired from acting, choosing to focus on his artistic pursuits and philanthropic work. He became increasingly private in his later years, but remained a beloved figure in Hawaii, where locals respected his commitment to the islands and his contributions to the community.

Jack Lord passed away on January 21, 1998 at 77 years old from congestive heart failure. He also suffered from Alzheimer's disease for his final seven years. When Lord passed away in 1998, he left behind not only a significant body of work in entertainment but also a remarkable legacy of philanthropy that continues to benefit the Hawaiian community. His portrayal of Steve McGarrett helped shape television police dramas for generations to come, while his generous spirit and commitment to his adopted home state ensured that his impact would be felt well beyond the entertainment industry.

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