His handsome, chiseled features are unmistakably Eddie Albert's - the Eddie Albert I grew up with who played the often frustrated yet lovable Oliver Wendall Douglas on Green Acres and the Eddie Albert who stole the scene away from Cary Grant in Every Girl Should Be Married.

My first glimpse of Eddie Albert was of him sunning by the pool in the backyard of his home in the Pacific Palisades. Although he just turned 93, his pure white skin, sparkling blue eyes, and bushy, white mane of hair are deceptive to the eye. He doesn't look at day over 75.

I didn't know much more about Eddie's life or career before I started researching his Biography for A&E. I just knew that I liked him. I loved that when he smiled his forehead creased and he would develop laugh-lines around his eyes. I enjoyed the various inflections in his voice. I thought of him as being a simple, uncomplicated, friendly man. However, I soon learned how extraordinary this so-called ordinary man really is.

Eddie probably remained so grounded despite the trappings of fame because of his poor up bringing. Out of meager beginnings, he worked his way onto stage and screen, and has earned the status of pop culture icon.

What many people do not know is that the two time Academy Award nominated actor also stepped beyond the stage and screen to make an indelible mark on the world. His interesting and admirable achievements include:

  • performing in the Mexican circus while doing reconnaissance work for the Navy;
  • saving over 70 Marines' lives during World War II;
  • helping to feed children in Africa through Meals for Millions (now known as Freedom from Hunger);
  • funding a scientific expedition and helped to get laws passed against DDT; and
  • growing an organic garden for the past 40 years.

The Eddie Albert Biography premieres in the United States on the Arts and Entertainment Network on May 12th, 2001. It is a show I am deeply proud and honored to be a part of.

....................

Mai-Ly Nguyen worked at the time as a researcher for A&E/Biography.


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