Eddie Albert
Learn about Eddie Albert (April 22, 1906 – May 26, 2005): his rise from stage to screen, dual Oscar nominations, television fame in Green Acres, wartime heroism, activism, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Eddie Albert (born Edward Albert Heimberger) was a versatile and beloved American actor whose career spanned more than six decades. He made his mark in film, television, and the theater, earning critical acclaim and popular affection. Known to many as the goofy and likable Oliver Wendell Douglas in the sitcom Green Acres, he also took on serious dramatic roles, earned two Academy Award nominations, served in World War II, and later became an activist for environmental and humanitarian causes.
Though often the “good-natured sidekick,” Albert could also surprise with depth and complexity in more challenging roles. His life story is a testament to stamina, adaptability, and commitment beyond acting.
Early Life and Family
Eddie Albert was born Edward Albert Heimberger on April 22, 1906, in Rock Island, Illinois.
He was the eldest of five children born to Frank Daniel Heimberger, a real estate agent, and Julia Jones. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Growing up, Albert held early jobs—selling newspapers as a child—and in high school he joined the drama club. University of Minnesota, where he studied business.
His original surname, Heimberger, was often mispronounced, and he later dropped it professionally in favor of a simpler stage name—Eddie Albert.
Early Career & Rise to Fame
Albert’s career had humble, varied beginnings. After the stock market crash in 1929, he tried several lines of work—odd jobs, trapeze performing, nightclub singing—before fully turning toward art and performance.
He moved to New York City in 1933, where he hosted a radio show, The Honeymooners – Grace and Eddie Show, which ran for three years. Brother Rat on Broadway.
His film debut came in 1938 with Brother Rat, reprising his Broadway role as "Bing" Edwards.
Film, Television & Awards
Film Work & Oscar Nominations
Over the years, Albert appeared in many films. Some of his notable roles include:
-
Roman Holiday (1953) — nominated for Academy Award Best Supporting Actor
-
The Heartbreak Kid (1972) — earning a second Oscar nomination in the supporting actor category
-
Other significant films: Oklahoma! (1955), The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956), Captain Newman, M.D. (1963), The Longest Yard (1974), Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)
Albert’s film repertoire showcased his ability to shift between lighthearted and serious roles.
Television Success: Green Acres & More
Albert’s best-known television portrayal is Oliver Wendell Douglas in the sitcom Green Acres, which ran from 1965 to 1971 (170 episodes). Return to Green Acres in 1990.
He also starred in the crime drama Switch (1975-1978) as Frank MacBride, a retired police officer turned private detective.
His television credits include many guest appearances in series such as Columbo, Falcon Crest, The Carol Burnett Show, General Hospital, and more.
He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (TV category) on February 8, 1960.
Military Service & Heroism
During World War II, Albert left show business temporarily to serve his country:
-
In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, and later transferred to the U.S. Naval Reserve.
-
He took part in the Battle of Tarawa (November 1943). While under heavy enemy fire, he piloted a landing craft and rescued 47 Marines who were stranded, and also supervised the rescue of others.
-
For his bravery, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V.”
His wartime service added a dimension of heroism to his public persona—he was not only a screen figure, but also a man who acted under fire to save lives.
Personal Life & Activism
Family & Personal Details
In 1945, Eddie Albert married Margo (born María Margarita Guadalupe Teresa Estela Bolado Castilla y O'Donnell), a Mexican actress. Edward Albert Jr., born in 1951, and they adopted a daughter, Maria.
Margo passed away in 1985 from brain cancer.
Albert lived in Pacific Palisades, California, in a home with a garden and greenhouse. He was passionate about organic gardening and environmental causes.
Activism & Conservation
In his later years, Albert became a public advocate for environmental and humanitarian issues:
-
He founded the Eddie Albert World Trees Foundation and was involved in tree planting and conservation efforts.
-
He was national chairman for the Boy Scouts’ conservation program and served as a trustee of the National Recreation and Park Association.
-
He supported causes like world hunger, was a special envoy for Meals for Millions, and worked on awareness projects about industrial pollution and agriculture chemicals (e.g., DDT).
-
He also founded City Children’s Farms to bring agricultural awareness to inner-city children and championed ecological farming.
His activism showed that Albert was more than a performer—he believed in using influence for lasting social and environmental impact.
Later Years & Death
In the mid-1990s, Eddie Albert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His son Edward Jr. reportedly left his own pursuits to help care for his father.
Albert passed away on May 26, 2005, at his home in Pacific Palisades, California, at the age of 99, from pneumonia. Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, alongside his wife.
His death marked the passing of one of Hollywood’s oldest working actors at the time, and a figure beloved for both entertainment and moral integrity.
Personality, Style & Legacy
Eddie Albert was widely viewed as warm, affable, multi-faceted, and genuine. His screen persona often leaned on kindness, gentle humor, and approachability, but those who worked with him noted his professionalism and intelligence.
His legacy is multifold:
-
As an actor, he demonstrated the ability to move between comedy and drama, memorable television and film roles, and sustained relevance over decades.
-
As a veteran and hero, his wartime actions lent additional depth and public respect.
-
As an activist and environmentalist, he used his celebrity to promote causes he believed in—trees, sustainable farming, nutrition, and public service.
-
As a model of longevity and adaptability, his career and life show that reinvention, conviction, and passion can extend one’s influence well beyond early acclaim.
His name is frequently remembered by fans of Green Acres and classic Hollywood, but his full story reveals a man committed not just to entertaining but to serving and caring.
Famous Quotes by Eddie Albert
Here are some of the more memorable quotes attributed to Eddie Albert (from interviews, public statements, and recorded remarks):
-
“I consider the director the captain, but I consider myself the first mate, and it’s up to me to keep in contact with the heart of the crew.”
-
“I always knew I would act. It was just a matter of time.”
-
“I don’t really care how I am remembered as long as I bring happiness and joy to people.”
-
“What’s the most important thing in the world? It’s love, and I look at that as an energy, not a sentiment.”
-
“Courage is just fear plus prayers plus understanding.”
-
“You can forgive yourself a great deal.”
These reflect Albert’s humility, his belief in love and service, and his sense of solidarity with collaborators.
Lessons from Eddie Albert
-
Versatility and persistence matter
Albert’s long career shows that one doesn’t have to be pigeonholed; adaptability across media, genres, and life phases is powerful. -
Heroism beyond the screen
His wartime bravery underscores that true character shows when action isn’t scripted. -
Use fame for good
Instead of fading into obscurity, Albert leveraged his platform for environmental and humanitarian causes. -
Humility in craft
His quote about being “first mate” underscores a mindset: serving the story, supporting collaborators, not dominating. -
Legacy is love + energy
His views on love as energy, joy, and the way to be remembered point to a life lived for connection, not just acclaim.
Conclusion
Eddie Albert’s life spanned nearly a century of dramatic change—in film, television, society, and global challenges. From his humble Midwestern roots to war heroism, from sitcom stardom to environmental activism, his journey was rich and multi-dimensional.
His legacy lives not only in Green Acres reruns or Oscar nods, but in the trees he planted, causes he championed, and the warm smile he left on countless audiences.