A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Eddie Albert was a circus trapeze flier before becoming a stage and radio actor. He made his film debut in 1938 and has worked steadily since, often cast as the friendly, good-natured buddy of the hero but occasionally being cast as a villain; one of his most memorable roles was as the cowardly, glory-seeking army officer in Robert Aldrich's World War 2 film, Attack.
Father of actor Edward Albert and Maria Albert Zucht. Two granddaughters. Served in the United States Navy during WWII Was an active participant in the battle of Tarawa (Nov. 1943), one of the bloodiest battles of World War II and in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. Albert was credited with rescuing up to 70 wounded Marines while under enemy fire. He was awarded the Bronze Star with a combat "V". He did not speak about this publicly until it was mentioned in several television documentaries about the battle in the 1990s. Because of his his early work with environmental causes and groups, when International Earth Day was created, it was decided it must be held on April 22 because that was his birthday. Father-in-law of actress Katherine Woodville. Was popular on Broadway before WWII, playing the leads in "Room Service" and "The Boys from Syracuse". He later replaced Robert Preston in the original Broadway version of "The Music Man". Replaced Robert Preston on Broadway as "The Music Man" in 1960. He and his wife Margo, a Mexican actress/singer, whom he married after the war, had a nightclub act. An avid environmentalist, he shared his concerns on TV on the The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Today Show shows and lectured everywhere from high schools and industrial conventions. He produced films to aid in campaigns against pollution. He also helped to launch the very first "Earth Day" on April 22, 1970, his birthday. Son Edward Albert was his primary caregiver during his last years battling with Alzheimer's disease. Was healthy and physically active a month before his death at age 99. Father was a real estate agent. Attended the University of Minnestoa where he studied drama. Hired by the government, he went on "sailing" expeditions and reported Nazi and Japanese activity in the Baja, California and Mexico areas He once joined a Mexican circus act owned by the Escalante Brothers and while touring as a "flyer" in a trapeze act gathered intelligence. Also presided over a game show and two variety shows in the early 1950s. His real name was Eddie Albert Heimberger. He changed his name early on while he was singing on radio with a trio. It seems the announcer kept introducing him as "Eddie Hamburger" so he dropped his last name and adopted his middle name as his last. Turned down the lead series roles in My Three Sons and Mister Ed in order to actively pursue his movie career. Buried not too far from his Green Acres co-star Eva Gabor at Westwood Memorial in Los Angeles, California. Grandfather of Thais Albert.