The Last Wave: Who Is Still Alive From The Original Hawaii Five-O Cast?

The iconic 1968-1980 television series, Hawaii Five-O, remains a cultural touchstone, with its unforgettable theme song and the legendary catchphrase, "Book 'em, Danno!" As of today, December 11, 2025, a sobering truth faces fans looking back at the original ensemble: the main cast members who brought the fictional state police unit to life have all passed away. The question of "who is still alive" among the recognized faces of the 12-season run now serves as a poignant reminder of the show's enduring legacy.

The core cast, led by the stoic Jack Lord as Detective Steve McGarrett, created a benchmark for police procedurals. While the reboot series introduced a new generation to the action, the original team—McGarrett, Danno, Chin Ho, and Kono—holds a special place in television history. The most recent passing of a prominent recurring actor closed the book on this chapter, leaving fans to cherish the memories of the trailblazing show.

The Original Hawaii Five-O Main Cast: A Full Biography and Legacy

The heart of the original Hawaii Five-O was the four-man team of detectives. Their chemistry, set against the backdrop of the stunning Hawaiian islands, made the show a global phenomenon. Here is a look at the main stars and their biographical profiles.

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• Jack Lord (Steve McGarrett)
  • Born: December 30, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Died: January 21, 1998 (Age 77), in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Cause of Death: Congestive heart failure.
  • Role: Detective Steve McGarrett, the no-nonsense, commanding leader of the Five-O unit.
  • Legacy: Lord was the driving force behind the show, insisting it be filmed entirely in Hawaii, which was groundbreaking at the time. His estate left a significant fortune to Hawaiian charities upon his wife Marie's death.
• James MacArthur (Danny "Danno" Williams)
  • Born: December 8, 1937, in Los Angeles, California.
  • Died: October 28, 2010 (Age 72), in Jacksonville, Florida.
  • Cause of Death: Natural causes.
  • Role: Detective Danny "Danno" Williams, McGarrett's second-in-command and the recipient of the famous catchphrase, "Book 'em, Danno!"
  • Legacy: MacArthur was the adopted son of theatre legends Helen Hayes and Charles MacArthur. He appeared in classic films like Swiss Family Robinson before his 11-season run on Five-O.
• Kam Fong (Chin Ho Kelly)
  • Born: October 27, 1918, in Kalihi, Territory of Hawaii.
  • Died: October 18, 2002 (Age 84), in Honolulu, Hawaii.
  • Cause of Death: Lung cancer.
  • Role: Detective Chin Ho Kelly, a seasoned detective known for his quiet competence and local knowledge.
  • Legacy: Kam Fong was a real-life retired Honolulu police officer before becoming an actor, lending authenticity to his role. His son, Dennis Chun, later played a recurring role in the 2010 reboot.
• Gilbert "Zulu" Kauhi (Kono Kalakaua)
  • Born: May 3, 1937, in Hilo, Territory of Hawaii.
  • Died: May 3, 2004 (Age 67), in Waianae, Hawaii.
  • Cause of Death: Complications from diabetes.
  • Role: Detective Kono Kalakaua, the physically imposing, yet warm-hearted, detective who was an original cast member for the first four seasons.
  • Legacy: Known professionally as Zulu, he was a former Waikiki beachboy and musician who brought a strong local Hawaiian presence to the series.

The Last Wave: Al Harrington, The Final Member of the Recognized Ensemble

For many years, the question of the last surviving member centered on James MacArthur, who passed in 2010. However, a key recurring cast member, Al Harrington, who played a significant role in the later seasons, was often cited as the last living member of the Five-O family. His passing marks the definitive end of the ensemble's time on Earth, making this the most crucial and current update for fans.

Al Harrington (Detective Ben Kokua)

• Born: December 12, 1935, in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
• Died: September 21, 2021 (Age 85), in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Cause of Death: A stroke.
• Role: Detective Ben Kokua, who replaced Zulu's Kono Kalakaua as a regular cast member from 1972 to 1975.
• Legacy: Harrington, a Samoan-American actor and entertainer affectionately known as "The Man Who Is All Hawaiian," was a beloved figure in the Hawaiian community. He famously returned to the franchise in the 2010 reboot, playing the recurring role of Mamo Kahike. His death in 2021 was a major moment for fans, confirming that the original ensemble was entirely gone.

The Complete List of Other Major Recurring Cast Members (All Deceased)

Beyond the core detective team, several actors appeared regularly throughout the 12-season run, anchoring the show's setting and narrative. None of these prominent recurring cast members are still alive today. This confirms the complete passing of the show's most recognized faces.

• Richard Denning (Governor Paul Jameson): Denning, who played the Governor of Hawaii, appeared in nearly 70 episodes. He died on October 11, 1998, at the age of 84.
• Herman Wedemeyer (Sergeant/Detective Duke Lukela): A former All-American football player, Wedemeyer played the role of Duke Lukela from 1971 until the series ended in 1980. He passed away on January 25, 1999, at age 74.
• Peggy Ryan (Jenny Sherman): Ryan, a former dancer and actress, played McGarrett's loyal secretary, Jenny Sherman, from 1969 to 1976. She died on October 30, 2004, at the age of 80.
• Glenn Cannon (Attorney General John Manicote): Cannon played the recurring role of the Attorney General in 17 episodes. He died on April 20, 2013, at age 80.
• Moe Keale (Various Roles, including Truck Kealoha): Keale, a well-known Hawaiian musician and actor, appeared in various roles on the original series before starring in Five-O's short-lived spin-off, Aloha Paradise. He died on April 15, 2002, at age 62.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Hawaii Five-O

The original Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980) was more than just a police procedural; it was a cultural phenomenon that cemented several entities and phrases in popular culture. The show’s title itself, "Five-O," refers to Hawaii being the 50th U.S. state, a fact that many viewers often overlook.

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The show's influence can be seen in several areas, proving its lasting topical authority:

• The Catchphrase: "Book 'em, Danno!" is one of the most famous lines in television history. It was delivered by Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) in nearly every episode, symbolizing the team's relentless pursuit of justice and McGarrett's final command to his junior partner, Danny Williams.
• The Theme Song: Morton Stevens' exhilarating opening theme is instantly recognizable and has been covered and sampled countless times, often considered one of the greatest TV themes ever composed.
• The Reboot: The show was successfully rebooted in 2010, starring Alex O'Loughlin as Steve McGarrett and Scott Caan as Danny Williams, running for another 10 seasons. This reboot frequently paid homage to the original, including bringing back actors like Al Harrington and Dennis Chun (son of Kam Fong).
• The "Five-O" Slang: The term "Five-O" became a widely used American slang term for the police, transcending the show itself to become a part of the cultural lexicon.

The legacy of the original Hawaii Five-O cast is etched in television history. While the original team is no longer with us, their work lives on through reruns and the successful reboot, ensuring that the spirit of Steve McGarrett, Danno, Chin Ho, and Kono continues to patrol the shores of the Aloha State.