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Jack Lord had aspirations of becoming a director while acting on Hawaii Five-O
"I want to leave behind a body of work that may not be large, but will be important."
Although most actors love their work, many of the best performers begin their lives with completely different plans. Jack Lord, for example, had no idea that he would one day lead a series as successful as Hawaii Five-O. As a young man, Lord actually wanted to become an artist, the actor later revealed. It was a craft that fueled his creativity for years.
“I would paint all day,” Lord said during an interview with the Journal and Courier. “I wouldn’t even stop for lunch. I’d paint until I collapsed from hunger. But I found out painting is no way to make a living, so I searched for another career.”
When Lord finally turned his attention to acting, it took more than a little time to find success. The Hawaii Five-O actor explained that he struggled to find work for many years. But with great hardship comes great reward, as he later learned.
“There were lean years,” said the actor. “There were years that I sat by the telephone, waiting for it to ring. So we feel we’ve earned our successes, my wife and I. We worked hard all our lives.”
Despite his success as an actor, Lord never wanted to remain in one occupation for too long. “What I really want to do is direct, direct films that have something to say,” said the actor. “I want to leave behind a body of work that may not be large, but will be important. And I want to paint, too. And have enough time to enjoy Hawaii.”
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