newsmakers

newsmakers

Efrem Zimbalist Jr., ‘The FBI’ star, dies at 95

LOS ANGELES

Handsome, debonair and blessed with a distinguished voice that reflected his real-life prep-school upbringing, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. seemed born to play the television roles that made him famous, that of hip Hollywood detective and brilliant G-man.

A prolific actor who also appeared in numerous films and stage productions, Zimbalist became a household name in 1958 as Stu Bailey, the wisecracking private investigator who was a co-partner in a swinging Hollywood detective agency at the exclusive address of “77 Sunset Strip.”

When the show of the same name ended in 1964, Zimbalist became an even bigger star playing the empathetic, methodical G-man Lewis Erskine in “The F.B.I.”

The actor, who in recent years had retired to his ranch in Southern California’s bucolic horse country, died there Friday at age 95.

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

Zimbalist’s stunning good looks and cool, deductive manner made him an instant star when “77 Sunset Strip” began its six-season run in 1958.

He and his partner Jeff Spencer (played by Roger Smith) operated from an office in the center of Hollywood where, aided by their sometime helper, Kookie, a jive-talking beatnik type who doubled as a parking- lot attendant, they tracked down miscreants.

When the program’s run ended in 1964, Zimbalist segued seamlessly into “The F.B.I.” the following year, and that program aired until 1974.

Pittsburgh to launch tours of film locations

PITTSBURGH

A Pittsburgh company is launching a new bus tour that will highlight the city’s history in movies and television.

Though it is better known as Steel City, Pittsburgh and nearby areas have been the backdrop for memorable films, including “The Deer Hunter,” “Flashdance,” “Night of the Living Dead,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Jack Reacher.”

“Lights, Camera, Pittsburgh!” is scheduled to launch May 31 and has the support of the region’s tourism agency, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The tours are set for select Saturdays through October. Tickets cost $30 to $40, depending on the number purchased, and part of the proceeds will go to the Pittsburgh Film Office.

Cheech Marin says he, Chong might make film

LAS CRUCES, N.M.

Actor and comedian Cheech Marin says he and longtime comedy partner Tommy Chong may soon reunite on film.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports Marin made the comments Friday while launching an exhibit of his art collection at the Las Cruces Museum of Art in southern New Mexico.

The 67-year-old, known as one half of “Cheech & Chong,” says there have been discussions about starting a project within the next year.

Meanwhile, the two have been touring together.

Associated Press