George Savalas
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2009) |
| George Savalas | |
|---|---|
 George Savalas |
|
| Born | December 5, 1924 New York City |
| Died | October 2, 1985 (aged 60) Westwood, California |
George Demosthenes Savalas (Greek: Γεώργιος Δημοσθένης Σαβάλας) (December 5, 1924 - October 2, 1985) was an American actor.
Born in New York City to immigrants from Greece, he served in the Pacific War as a United States Navy gunner. After studying drama at Columbia University, Savalas embarked on a successful career as a stage actor and acting instructor. He later appeared in several films, most notably Kelly's Heroes.
He is best known for his role as Detective Stavros on the TV series Kojak. He was often credited as "Demosthenes" or "George Demosthenes" to avoid confusion[citation needed] with his better-known older brother, Telly Savalas. In his later years, George recorded a popular Greek-language record and toured with his band, appearing at such venues as Carnegie Hall[citation needed]. He returned to the stage, appearing in a number of off-Broadway productions before illness forced him to retire. In the 1970s, he did adverts in the United Kingdom for Wimpy Bar chain[citation needed].
He died of leukemia, aged 60.
