Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Dies At 95

Above, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. in 1971.

Longtime television actor Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. has passed away at 95.

Japan Today reported:

LOS ANGELES —Efrem Zimbalist Jr, the son of famous musical parents who established his own name in the long-running television series “77 Sunset Strip” and the even longer running TV hit “The FBI,” has died at age 95. 

Zimbalist died Friday at his Solvang home in California’s bucolic horse country, said family friend Judith Moose, who released a statement from his children, actress Stephanie Zimbalist and her brother, Efrem Zimbalist III. 

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing into peace of our beloved father, Efrem Zimbalist Jr, today at his Solvang ranch,” it said. “He actively enjoyed his life to the last day, showering love on his extended family, playing golf and visiting with close friends.”

Back in the early 1980s, it seemed that I couldn't take a flight anywhere without Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. being on the same flight.

During the 1980 presidential campaign, a rally was held at the West Imperial Terminal of Los Angeles International Airport for the arrival of former Gov. Ronald and Nancy Reagan from the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, Michigan. After the convention, the Reagans joined George and Barbara Bush in Texas for some campaign events and then flew on to Los Angeles. At rally, celebrity guests included Zimbalist, Hugh O'Brien, Johnny Grant and Robert Stack.

"The FBI" was a favorite show in my family's household.

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