Hawaii Five-O is one of the most beloved series by crime-television fans. But even the most dedicated fans will be surprised by these secrets that went on behind the scenes and beyond of this original series. Check out our gallery and see these surprising secrets that producers from Hawaii Five-O hid from its fans.
Ghost Producer
After ‘Hawaii Five-O’ producer Leonard Freeman passed away in 1974, Jack Lord, who played Detective Steve McGarrett in the series, took the reins and handled the production for the rest of the series. Unfortunately, Jack Lord wasn’t given credit as a screen producer.
Dancer Revealed
In case you were wondering who the talented hula dancer in the opening montage was, her name is Helen Torc, and she’s uncredited in the entire series. She later became a professor at a local community college. It’s too bad her career behind the silver screen never took off.
Who Played The Chief?
Throughout the entire original series, six different actors played the role of Government intelligence chief, Jonathan Kaye. These actors are Joseph Sirola, James Gregory, Lyle Bettger, Tim O’Connor, Robert Dixon, and Bill Edwards.
Actual Police
Actor Kam Fong played Detective Chin Ho Kelley, which was not far from his previous real-life job. He was an actual Honolulu police officer. He served on the force from 1946 to 1962 and retired to pursue a career in real estate and acting.
Five-“O”, Not Five-“0”
The reason for the “Five-O” in the title of the series is because Hawaii was the 50th state in the union. One easy way to differenciate the orignal series to the remake is that the “O” in the original title is not the number zero, but it is in the remake of the series Hawaii Five “0”.
Casting At The Last Minute
At the last minute, Jack Lord auditioned for the role of McGarrett for Hawaii Five-O. That Wednesday, he read the script in California, on Friday he flew to Hawaii, and the following Monday, he was shooting for the new series. Pretty efficient, if you ask us.
Living on the Edge
The character Danny Williams was the only cast member that was ever shown smoking cigarettes in the entire series. You can also see he’s held a smoking gun, too!
Don’t Keep Your Enemies Close
Although Khigh Dhiegh may have played the ultimate arch enemies Wo Fat, he and Jack Lord only appeared together on screen a measly four times.
Forever In Hawaii
Jack Lord loved where they filmed so much that after the show he decided to become a full-time resident, and eventually, he became a prominent social and political figure as well. After he passed away, a statue of him was built in his honor.
Early Exit
Zulu, who played Detective Kono Kalakaua, was the first of the main characters to leave the show permanently. He called it quits to Hawaii Five-O in its 4th season. Fans missed him for the rest of the show.
Setting Records
Until the series Law & Order hit it’s 13th season, Hawaii Five-O was the longest-running crime show in television history. But who knows? Maybe the new revamp of the show can break some records of its own.
Veteran On The Cast
Jack Lord, who played Detective Steve McGarrett in the series was an actual Vietnam War Veteran. It really added to the character of Steve McGarrett.
Royal Palace
McGarrett’s office at the Iolani Palace was the actual palace which the last king and queen of Hawaii lived in. That’s one fancy set if you ask us.
Drama With The Cast
Characters Danny, Steve, Duke, and Chin were all suspended at one point during the series due to various reason on the script. Additionally, Steve and Danny were the only two characters to ever be charged with murder during the show.
Difficulty With The Title
Before the title name of “Hawaii Five-O” was finally settled upon as the oficial title of the show, producer Leonard Freeman considered the title “The Man”, and it almost became the actual title of the show. Luckily, Hawaii Five-O stuck, and it’s what we know it as today.
A Change In The Studio
During the ninth season, the Hawaii Five-O offices relocated from the original Iolani Palace to a different building nearby. The change in location was due to renovations to the Iolani Palace and also because of CBS’s new building’s construction not being completed in time for shooting.
Gang Name
Tony Alika was the head mobster of a very exclusive gang in the show. It was so exclusive that nobody truley knew the name until it was revealed that the name of it was “Kumu”.
Navy Man
According to the script, before McGarret became the head honcho of Five-O, he was an intelligence officer in the Navy. Not only that, he was also a ranked Lieutenant. This is interesting because Jack Lord, the man who played McGarret, was actually in the military prior to becoming an actor.
Secret On The Set
Contrary to popular belief, not all the office scenes were shot in the Iolani Palace. The office interiors were actually sets on a soundstage.
Multiple Jobs, One Show
Peggy Ryan played McGarrett’s secretary, Jenny Sherman. Also, Ryan played the secretary of the Governor, Mildred, in two episodes of the first season.
Who Played The Chief?
Throughout the entire original series, six different actors played the role of Government intelligence chief, Jonathan Kaye. These actors are Joseph Sirola, James Gregory, Lyle Bettger, Tim O’Connor, Robert Dixon, and Bill Edwards.
Opportunity Wasted
