Veteran Actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr., 95, Dies

Veteran Hollywood actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr., passed away Friday at his ranch in Solvang, California. He was 95.

The son of a violin virtuoso and an opera singer, Zimbalist preferred acting. He landed leading roles in two hit detective series in the 1950s and 60s.

He played a private detective in "77 Sunset Strip," followed by a run as Inspector Lewis Erskine in "The FBI."

"We could not have asked for a better character, or a better man, to play his role," FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III said at the time.

In a statement, the actor's daughter Stephanie Zimbalist and son Efrem Zimbalist III expressed their grief over their father's death.

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing into peace of our beloved father... He actively enjoyed his life to the last day, showering love on his extended family, playing golf and visiting with close friends," they said.

In addition to his son and daughter, Zimbalist is survived by four grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.