Edward Albert Heimberger, better known by his stage name Eddie Albert, was an actor and activist who graced the entertainment business with a slew of memorable performances.
Although many fans remember him for his role on “Green Acres,” he had a number of hit films that had audiences captivated to the screen.
His extraordinary acting abilities were on full show in films such as “Falcon Crest” and “General Hospital.” He received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in “Roman Holiday” in 1953 and “The Heartbreak Kid” in 1972.
Away from work and the spotlight, though, the actor who died at the age of 99 had an intriguing personality that drew followers to him. In addition to his professional achievement, he had a family that supported him till the end.
Eddie may have been a prominent movie actor recognised for playing roles ranging from effervescent to monomaniacal to numerous admirers.
Nevertheless, the actor’s passion was not limited to the film business. He used to work for the Mexican government.
Eddie was also passionate about the environment and nature protection, despite his long career in the film business and other hobbies.
From 1945 until her death in 1985, the actor was married to actress Margo. The pair had a son, Edward Jr., who became an actor, and adopted their daughter, Maria.
Eddie didn’t stop performing until he was in his 90s. He died of pneumonia at his Pacific Palisades home. According to reports, he was accompanied by carers and his son, Edward Jr., who stated at the time, he died so eloquently and graciously that he actually didn’t feel pain or loss this morning.
Many stories indicate that Edward, who, like his dad, was an activist, cared for the older actor for 10 years before his death in May 2005. Albert Jr. was born in Los Angeles in 1951.
Edward went to Oxford University and then to the University of California, Los Angeles to study psychology. He made his acting debut at the age of 14 and has since become an iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
He appeared in films such as “40 Carats,” “The Ice Runner,” and “Guarding Tess.” He won a Golden Globe for best male newcomer for his performance as a blind lawyer in “Butterflies Are Free.”
Unfortunately, viewers did not get to watch more of the actor’s superb performances since he unexpectedly died at the age of 55, a year after his dad. He died of lung cancer after a protracted struggle.
His wife, actress Kate Woodville, who died in 2013, daughter Thais, and sister Maria Zucht survived the younger Albert. Edward died at home in Malibu, where a Chumash medicine lady performed a customary post-passing ritual.
His wife paid homage to him in a statement, describing his great love for nature and his efforts to conserve what natural treasures he could. In his honour, the Escondido Canyon was renamed the Edward Albert Escondido Trail and Waterfalls.
