1. He was a pre-war spy.

 

Before his time on screen, Albert served his time for the country. Prior to World War II, Albert worked for the U.S. government while stationed in Mexico. His task was to keep an eye on any Nazi activity that may have been going on. Albert took this job so seriously, he opted to join a Mexican circus in order to tour the country and follow any leads he might have had. His constant movement about the country gave him a low profile and an easy way to get information back to the U.S. without being detected. 

2. He was a war hero.

 

Joining the circus was only the first phase of Albert's service to his country. By 1943, Albert had joined the Coast Guard and was active in duty. His most notable contribution came in November 1943. He acted as the pilot of the landing craft that the Coast guard used at the invasion on Tarawa. His actions during this tactic allowed for the resuce of 47 Marines, who had been stranded offshore, and another 30 personnel in need of similar help, all while under heavy machine-gun fire. This act of bravery earned him a Bronze Star with a Combat V. 

Image: AP Photo

3. He was known for being a Hollywood social butterfly.

 

"I don't really care how I am remembered as long as I bring happiness and joy to people." – Eddie Albert.

Oliver Wendell Douglass may have wanted to get away from it all on Green Acres, but this couldn't be farther from the truth from the real Albert. Many stars of the time have said that Albert was one of the most social people in Hollywood, and often found a friend in many big names of the time. While the list is long, some of his most iconic pals included Vincent Price, Gregory Peck, Dean Martin, Burt Reynolds, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball and, of course, Eva Gabor.

Image: AP Photo

4. He was an environmental activist.

 

Albert had a longtime love for the conservation of natural resources. He cared so much about the environment, that he went so far as to start the Eddie Albert World Trees Foundation and chaired the Boy Scouts of America conservation program. Incidentally, the very first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970 — Albert's birthday. He attended and spoke at the inaugural event. He then went on to start the City Children's Farms for inner-city children, a foundation that intended to teach children in urban areas about agriculture and organic, healthy foods.  

5. He didn't stop acting until the age 91.

 

In 1965, Albert shared that he was "allergic to monotony, not work." He certainly proved this, with more than 55 years of consistent entertainment work to his name. Add to this his years in the military and in radio, and you'll understand that he meant! His final performance came in the form of a superhero series that delighted children of the '90s. In 1994, Albert voiced the character of Adrian Tumes / The Vulture for the cartoon Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Albert was 91 at the time, and decided to take it easy following the show's run.