James MacArthur, 'Hawaii Five-0's' original Danno, dies at 72

James MacArthur, "Danno" on the original "Hawaii Five-0," has died.

MacArthur, whose film and TV career spanned more than 40 years, died early Thursday (Oct. 28), his family says. He was 72.

MacArthur was the son of theater legend Helen Hayes and playwright Charles MacArthur and made his professional acting debut while he was still in high school. His early credits include Disney's "Swiss Family Robinson" and "The Light in the Forest" and episodes of TV drama anthologies like "Studio One," in addition to several Broadway plays.

He played a preacher in the 1968 Clint Eastwood western "Hang 'Em High," which was co-written and produced by Leonard Freeman. Freeman created "Hawaii Five-0" that same year and cast MacArthur as Detective Danny Williams, giving him a place in TV history as the object of McGarrett's (Jack Lord) famous catchphrase.

MacArthur played Danno for 11 seasons. Following his departure from "Hawaii Five-0" in 1979, he made a number of guest appearances on TV and starred in several stage productions. He also reprised his "Five-0" role in a 1997 TV movie in which Dan Williams had risen to become the governor of Hawaii.

The producers of CBS' "Hawaii Five-0" redo had talked about having MacArthur do a cameo on the show, but it never came to pass.

"We've lost a special part of our heritage today. James' talents and memorable role helped bring this series to life, and his support of our remake meant the world to us," says Peter Lenkov, an executive producer of the new show. "The phrase 'Book 'em Danno' will forever be testimony to an actor and character that will not be forgotten. The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at 'Hawaii Five-0' go out to his family, his friends and his many, many fans around the world."

MacArthur is survived by his wife, H.B. Duntz, four children and seven grandchildren.

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Photo credit: CBS/Paramount