Feeling like you belong to a family is a deep-rooted need for many people. For actor James MacArthur, he found his family through adoption. Born in 1937 in Los Angeles, California, James was adopted by renowned playwright Charles MacArthur and his wife, actress Helen Hayes, when he was just an infant. Growing up in Nyack, New York, alongside their biological daughter, James never felt any less loved or connected with his adoptive family.
James had a passion for sports and cultural activities even as a child. He excelled in basketball, football, and baseball while also being actively involved in his student government. His love for drama led him to local plays, and as he grew older, he landed more significant roles in movies and television. Thanks to his parents’ connections in the entertainment industry, James had the privilege of being surrounded by amazing people throughout his life. His most iconic role was as police officer Danny “Danno” Williams in the hit TV series “Hawaii Five-O.”
Throughout his career, James demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication. He started with roles on the radio before transitioning to television and film. In 1968, he secured his place in the hearts of millions with the role of Danno in “Hawaii Five-O,” which aired for 12 seasons. James’ success allowed him to invest in real estate in Hawaii and led to a life filled with fame and fortune.
But amidst his busy career, James always found time for love. He was first married to actress and author Joyce Bulifant from 1958 to 1968. It was on the set of “The Angry Breed” in 1968 that he met fellow actress Melody Patterson, and the two fell in love. They got married in 1970 on Kauai. Although their marriage did not last, James went on to have a beautiful family with his third wife, Helen Beth Duntz, with whom he was until his passing in 2010.
While James had a family of his own later in life, he cherished the bond he shared with his adoptive parents. In a 1962 interview with Good Housekeeping, he reflected on how he always saw his mother, Hayes, as “a woman I call Mom,” despite knowing she was an actress. His father, Charles, was also a respected figure in the entertainment industry as a playwright.
James learned about his adoption through a letter in 1956. Initially, he didn’t feel the need to delve into his birth parents’ identity, as he believed that 70% of a person’s character is shaped by their environment, and his adoptive parents were his true family. He shared a heartfelt sentiment expressed by his father, Charles, when faced with insensitive news stories referring to James as their “adopted son”: “He’s been our adopted son for 17 years. When does he stop being adopted and start being our son? Don’t these people have any heart?”
James MacArthur’s story is a testament to the power of love and how family bonds go beyond genetics. He had a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally, with his adoptive family by his side. Their love and acceptance shaped him into the remarkable individual he became. So, let’s appreciate and celebrate the beauty of adoption, just as James did.
