`FIVE-O' STAR LORD DIES IN HONOLULU.

Byline: Associated Press 

Jack Lord, whose gruff portrayal of a Hawaiian police chief helped turn ``Hawaii Five-0'' into one of television's longest running shows, died Wednesday evening of heart failure. He was 77.

Lord died at his Honolulu home with his wife, Marie, at his side.

``Jack loved acting and he loved these islands,'' Marie Lord said in a statement. ``Through all his years he was blessed with kindness, affection and support of many fans and friends. He always appreciated that and never forgot it.''

Lord portrayed Steve McGarrett, the no-nonsense head of a fictitious Hawaii state police force, for 12 years, ending in 1980. The CBS show Lord produced and sometimes directed was seen in 80 countries with a weekly audience estimated at more than 300 million.

Many of the 284 episodes ended with McGarrett collaring the criminals and saying to his ubiquitous sidekick (actor James McArthur), ``Book 'em, Danno!''

The show initially faced local opposition because of its depiction of crime in paradise. But it also showcased the natural beauty of Hawaii week after week for millions of potential tourists, and the show wound up with popular support.

Lord, a New York City native, spent his high school summers working at sea and indulging in his first love - art.

Lord went on to major in art at New York University, which he attended on a football scholarship. His artworks made their way into a number of permanent collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Once Lord decided to become an actor, he studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York while working days as a car salesman. He also worked at the Actors Studio with the likes of Marlon Brando, Paul Newman and Marilyn Monroe, appearing on Broadway before leaving for Hollywood.

Lord's film credits also include ``Dr. No,'' among the early James Bond movies, in which he played CIA agent Felix Leighter.

Lord requested no funeral be held.