James MacArthur Net Worth, Age, Career, Bio, Height, Death
James MacArthur was an American actor who became famous for playing the role of Detective Danny “Danno” Williams in the hit TV series Hawaii Five-O. He entertained millions of people for almost four decades with his charm, talent, and boyish looks. His career spanned many years and included not only acting in TV shows but also roles in movies and theater. In this blog, we will explore James MacArthur’s life, career, and some fun facts about him that even a 7-year-old can enjoy!
Who is James MacArthur?
James MacArthur was an actor best remembered for his role as “Danno” in Hawaii Five-O, a show that was very popular in the 1960s and 1970s. He also appeared in many movies, TV shows, and stage productions.
Over his career, he became a beloved actor in Hollywood, known for his kindness and hard work. James was also the adopted son of two famous people: Helen Hayes, a famous actress, and Charles MacArthur, a well-known playwright.
James MacArthur: The Life and Legacy of a TV Legend
| Important Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Gordon MacArthur |
| Famous Role | Detective Danny “Danno” Williams in *Hawaii Five-O* |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1937 |
| Parents | Helen Hayes (Mother), Charles MacArthur (Father) |
| Career Start | Started acting at the age of 18 in 1955 |
| Notable Movies | Swiss Family Robinson (1960), The Young Stranger (1957) |
| Hawaii Five-O Role | Played Detective Danny “Danno” Williams from 1968–1980 |
| Awards | Theatre World Award (1961) |
| Spouses | Joyce Bulifant (First), Melody Patterson (Second), Helen Beth Duntz (Third) |
| Children | Four children (from two marriages) |
| Net Worth | $20 million (at the time of his death in 2010) |
| Death | October 28, 2010 |
| Legacy | Remembered for his role as “Danno” in *Hawaii Five-O* and his love for animals and sailing |
| Interesting Facts | Avid sailor, skilled magician, loved gardening, and supported animal welfare causes |
| Ethnicity | American (mixed ethnicity) |
| Social Media Presence | Did not have social media presence due to his death in 2010, but fans continue to share memories online |
Real Name or Nicknames
James MacArthur was born with the full name James Gordon MacArthur. He was also known by some nicknames, such as Jim, Jimmy Mac, and JMac. These names were used by his friends, family, and fans.
Early Life and Education
James was born on December 8, 1937, in Los Angeles, California. When he was just a baby, his parents, Helen Hayes and Charles MacArthur, adopted him. His mother, Helen Hayes, was called the “First Lady of American Theater,” and his father was a famous writer. James grew up in a home surrounded by famous actors and writers. His godmother was Lillian Gish, a famous actress too.
James attended Solebury School, a private school in Pennsylvania, where he excelled in sports and drama. By the time he was 11 years old, he had already performed in a radio play with his mother. He later attended Harvard University, where he studied history. But after a year, he left college to focus on acting.
Age, Weight, Height, and Appearance
James MacArthur was born in 1937, which means he lived to be 72 years old. He was 5 feet 7 inches tall, which is about average height for men. He had golden, wavy hair and a charming smile. His boyish looks and friendly appearance made him a favorite on TV and in movies.
Parents and Siblings
James was adopted by Helen Hayes and Charles MacArthur, both of whom were very famous. His biological sister, Mary MacArthur, passed away in 1949 when she was young. James’s family was very close, and his mother, Helen, was a big influence on his life and career.
Nationality
James MacArthur was American. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and he spent most of his life in the United States. His family roots were also in America, with his father being a famous playwright and his mother a famous actress.
Career Journey
James MacArthur’s career as an actor began when he was very young. He made his TV debut in 1955, at the age of 18, in a TV show called Climax! in which he played a rebellious teenager. His performance was so good that it led to a role in a movie called The Young Stranger, which earned him a nomination for a BAFTA award.
After that, James worked on many Disney movies in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1960, he appeared in Swiss Family Robinson, playing Fritz, the oldest son of a shipwrecked family. This movie became one of his most popular roles.
In 1968, James got the role that would make him famous all over the world: Detective Danny Williams in Hawaii Five-O. He worked on this show for 12 years, until 1980. His role as “Danno” made him a household name. He was known for his intelligence, bravery, and loyalty to his partner, Steve McGarrett, on the show.
James also appeared in many other TV shows and movies, including The Love Boat, Vega (where he played a character called Dan Tabor), and Murder, She Wrote. Even after leaving Hawaii Five-O, James stayed active in acting, making guest appearances on several shows.
Awards and Notable Works
James MacArthur had a long and successful career. He won a Theatre World Award in 1961 for his performance in the Broadway play Invitation to a March, where he played Aaron Jablonski.
He is most famous, however, for his role as Detective Danny Williams in Hawaii Five-O. The show ran for 12 seasons, and James’s character became an iconic figure in TV history.
Net Worth
By the time he passed away in 2010, James MacArthur had built a net worth of about $20 million. This money came from his successful career in TV shows, movies, and other acting projects. He lived a comfortable life and enjoyed many of his passions, like sailing and painting, during his free time.
Presence on Social Media
James MacArthur passed away in 2010, so he did not have a presence on social media like many actors do today. However, fans of Hawaii Five-O and James still share his memories online. People continue to watch reruns of Hawaii Five-O and discuss his role as “Danno” on social media platforms.
Spouses/Ex
James MacArthur married three times. His first marriage was to actress Joyce Bulifant, with whom he had two children. They divorced in 1968. In 1970, he married actress Melody Patterson, but they divorced in 1977. His third marriage was to Helen Beth Duntz in 1984, and they stayed married until he died in 2010.
Family and Children
James had four children. Two children were from his first marriage to Joyce Bulifant, and one child came from his third marriage to Helen Beth Duntz. The identity of his fourth child’s mother was never made public. He also had several grandchildren who remember him fondly.
Ethnicity and Religion
James MacArthur was American by nationality, but his ethnicity was a mix of different backgrounds, as both his parents were from the United States. He was not very open about his religion, but he was known for being a kind and compassionate person who cared about others.
Filmography
James MacArthur appeared in many movies and TV shows throughout his career. Some of his most famous roles include:
- Swiss Family Robinson (1960)
- The Light in the Forest (1958)
- The Young Stranger (1957)
- Hawaii Five-O (1968–1980)
- The Love Boat (1977)
- Vega (1978)
- Murder, She Wrote (1984)
Legacy
James MacArthur is remembered as one of the most talented and charming actors of his time. His role as Detective “Danno” in Hawaii Five-O left a lasting impact on TV history. Even after he died in 2010, his fans continued to admire his work. James is also remembered for his love of animals, sailing, and painting.
Interesting Facts
- James MacArthur was an avid sailor and spent a lot of his free time on his boat.
- He was known for being a skilled magician and loved performing tricks for his friends and family.
- James loved gardening and had a beautiful garden in Hawaii, where he spent many years of his life.
- He was an active supporter of animal welfare causes.
FAQs
- What role did James MacArthur play in Hawaii Five-O?
- James MacArthur played Detective Danny “Danno” Williams, a loyal and brave character.
- What movie made James MacArthur famous?
- James became famous for his role in Swiss Family Robinson and later for Hawaii Five-O.
- Did James MacArthur have children?
- Yes, he had four children and several grandchildren.
- Was James MacArthur involved in any stage performances?
- Yes, he made his Broadway debut in the play Invitation to a March and won the Theatre World Award for his performance.
- Did James MacArthur ever appear in any TV series besides Hawaii Five-O?
- Yes, he appeared in several other TV shows, including The Love Boat, Vega, and Murder, She Wrote.
- Did James MacArthur have any pets or animals he loved?
- Yes, he was known for his love of animals and was actively involved in animal welfare causes throughout his life.
Conclusion
James MacArthur was a talented actor who gave so much to the world of entertainment. His career spanned decades, and he became a beloved figure for his role in Hawaii Five-O.
Even though he has passed away, his legacy lives on in the hearts of his fans, who continue to watch his shows and remember his kindness, charm, and contributions to the world of acting.
