Obit: Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

Actor Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. has died at age 95.

Zimbalist’s seven-decade career saw his first major role as Dandy Jim Buckley on the James Garner western Maverick. He left that show to star in the long-running crime drama 77 Sunset Strip (1958-64). That was quickly followed by his best known role, Inspector Lewis Erskine, on The F.B.I. (1965-74).

Zimbalist guested on a number of classic TV series (The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Love Boat, Rawhide) and also appeared in movies (Airport 1975, Hot Shots!, Wait Until Dark). He had a recurring role on his daughter Stephanie 1980s detective adventure series Remington Steele. Later in his career he did a lot of voice work, including his role as Alfred Pennyworth on a number of animated adaptations of Batman.

Zimbalist passed away Friday in California.