Stage And Screen Star Eddie Albert Passes At Age 99
By: BWW News Desk May. 28, 2005
Eddie Albert, perhaps most recognizable for his role in Green Acres, passed away on Thursday in his home at age 99. Born with the name Edward Albert Heimberger in Illinois in 1906, he grew up in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota. He served with the Navy during World War II in the Battle of Tarawa and was awarded a Bronze Star. After leaving the Navy, he started Eddie Albert Productions, which made educational films including the well-known "Human Growth," a sex-education film for 11-year-olds, and "Human Beginnings," for 6-year-olds.In the 1930s, he began a career on the stage as a master of ceremonies in a magic show, and then later as a singer. He then took his act on the radio in the Midwest and New York. It was during this time that Eddie dropped his family name because of introductions on the radio that mispronounced his name as Hamburger. He also enjoyed a rich life including such occupations as singer, spy, sex educator, trapeze artist and circus clown.
It was shortly after, in 1936 that he made his Broadway debut in "O Evening Star." He later was in the productions of "Room Service", "The Boys From Syracuse" and "Miss Liberty". He also replaced Robert Preston as Harold Hill in "The Music Man." In the early 80s, Mr. Albert appeared in a revival of "You Can't Take It With You."On the silver screen, he made his debut in the 1938 film "Brother Rat," co-starring opposite Ronald Reagan. Albert received two Oscar nominations for best supporting actor, for both "Roman Holiday" and "The Heartbreak Kid". His other films include "Oklahoma!", "On Your Toes", "The Sun Also Rises", "7 Women" and "The Longest Day." He also starred as the sadistic prison warden in Robert Aldrich's film "The Longest Yard" in 1974 which was recently remade starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock.
On television, he starred in several series and made over 100 guest appearances. His most notable role, was of course, lawyer Oliver Wendell Douglas, who with his wife played by Eva Gabor, moved from New York City to Hooterville on "Green Acres." The show aired on CBS from 1965-1971.
Mr. Albert was married to the actress Margo from 1945 until her death in 1985. He is survived by his son, a daughter and two grandchildren.
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