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American actor known for his role as Danno in the television series Hawaii Five-o

One actor in his time plays many parts, so it is a mixed blessing for a performer to be forever associated with one role and one catchphrase. James MacArthur, who has died aged 72, was instantly identified with Detective Danny "Danno" Williams in the long-running television series Hawaii Five-o (1968-79), in which he was habitually told "Book 'em, Danno" by his superior officer, Detective Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord), after villains had been captured.

From the outset, MacArthur could not escape being reminded that he was the son of celebrated parents. His mother, Helen Hayes, always flagged as "the first lady of the theatre", had a long career on stage, in television and films, winning two Oscars 40 years apart, and his father, Charles MacArthur, co-wrote and co-directed several films with Ben Hecht, one of which, The Scoundrel (1935), won a screenplay Oscar,...

 

MacArthur starred opposite Jack Lord in Hawaii 5-0 between 1968-1980.

Actor James MacArthur, who played Det. Danny "Danno" Williams on the smash hit CBS series Hawaii 5-0, has died at age 72 of natural causes. MacArthur, the son of legendary actress Helen Hayes and playwright Charles MacArthur, was already a seasoned acting veteran when he starred in the series in 1968. He left in 1980 before the show's final season, saying the scripts and characters had become tired and bland. MacArthur also had prominent roles on the big screen in films such as Swiss Family Robinson, The Light in the Forest, The Truth About Spring, Battle of the Bulge, Spencer's Mountain and The Bedford Incident. In recent years, he enjoyed renewed popularity through his periodic appearances at autograph fairs. For more click here...

Mad Men @ the Movies investigates cinema references... a fancy excuse to talk about tv's best series.

Episode 4.5 "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword"

In this episode Scdp attempts to win the Honda campaign but Sterling still hates the Japanese from his WWII days. Meanwhile, it's Draper Vs. Draper again as Don (Jon Hamm) and Betty (January Jones returns.) hurl hate at each other. Tween daughter Sally tries to tune them out by misbehaving i.e. engaging in perfectly normal behavior like masturbating. Uh oh! In one sequence Sally cuts her own hair, sending her babysitter and her father into hysterics.

Don: Why would she do that?

Babysitter: She probably wanted to look older or like Hayley Mills. I don't know."Heaven to hear 60s child star Hayley Mills (a personal fav) referenced on Mad Men. Hayley is best remembered today for the back-to-back family friendly classics Pollyanna (1960) and The Parent Trap...