Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

Date of Birth: November 30, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: May 2, 2014

Biography

Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. was an American actor known for his distinctive voice and roles in classic television series. Born into a prominent entertainment family, his father was the famous violinist Efrem Zimbalist Sr., and his mother, Alma Gluck, was a celebrated operatic soprano. Zimbalist Jr. attended Yale University but was expelled for poor academic performance. He later served in the United States Army during World War II, earning a Purple Heart for his bravery. After the war, Zimbalist Jr. pursued acting, studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York. He made his Broadway debut in the 1945 production of “The Rugged Path” and soon transitioned to film and television. His breakout role came with the television series “77 Sunset Strip,” where he played private detective Stuart Bailey from 1958 to 1964. He followed this success with another iconic role as Inspector Lewis Erskine in “The F.B.I.” from 1965 to 1974. Zimbalist Jr. also had notable voice roles, including Alfred Pennyworth in several Batman animated series. He continued to work in television and film throughout his career, maintaining a reputation for professionalism and charm until his retirement.

5 Interesting Facts about Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

1. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in World War II.

2. He played a key role in popularizing the private detective genre on television with “77 Sunset Strip.”

3. Zimbalist Jr. voiced Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s loyal butler, in multiple animated series.

4. He was a devout Episcopalian and was active in his church throughout his life.

5. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

1. “I happen to be a bit of a traditionalist, and I believe that people who go into show business should have some kind of talent.”

2. “Acting is an art form, and you can’t deny someone the opportunity to excel at it.”

3. “I never had a great ambition to be a star. I was just fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.”

4. “The key to longevity in this business is to be versatile and always open to new challenges.”

5. “I’ve always believed in the importance of family, faith, and hard work.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Efrem Zimbalist Jr. was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Efrem Zimbalist Jr. had three children: 1. Efrem Zimbalist III 2. Nancy Zimbalist 3. Stephanie Zimbalist, who is also an actress known for her role in “Remington Steele.”