“One of the 20th Century’s Great Faces”

Like many people, I would guess, I remember New York City-born performer Gerald S. O’Loughlin best because of his stint as tough but humane Lieutenant Ed Ryker on The Rookies (1972-1976). However, his career covered much more ground than that; he appeared in everything from The Defenders and Naked City to Mannix, The Green Hornet, Hawaii Five-O, Ironside, Matt Houston, McClain’s Law, Quincy, M.E., T.J. Hooker, and Murder, She Wrote.

As O’Loughlin nears his 90th birthday, on December 23, Stephen Bowie has posted an interview with the easily recognized actor in The Classic TV History Blog. Their discussion ranges from O’Loughlin’s early days on live television to his Broadway debut, his impressions of Kirk Douglas, his work on Ice Station Zebra, and his almost-starring-role as the captain on The Love Boat. You’ll find their exchange here.

READ MORE: “TV in 1972: The Rookies,” by J. Kingston Pierce (Limbo).