GS
George Savalas
Actor
Died October 2, 1985 (60 years)
Greek-American actor George Savalas is best remembered for co-starring on his elder brother (Telly Savalas)'s popular television detective show Kojak (1973) (1973-78). He played Detective Stavros to Telly's Kojak, changed his middle name later in life from "Nicholas" to "Demosthenes" and was billed as simply Demosthenes in the end credits to avoid confusion with the elder Savalas.
George Savalas served in the Pacific during WWII and was a decorated U.S. Navy gunner. He learned his craft at Columbia University's School of Drama. Before making it to the small screen, he was an accomplished stage actor and acting instructor. He was, briefly, the drummer for the Clyde McCoy Big Band. He got his start on the Dick Powell Theater, and went on to guest star on other series. He appeared in several films including Genghis Khan (1965) and Kelly's Heroes (1970). After "Kojak" ended, he recorded a Top-10 Greek language record and toured with his band at many major venues including Carnegie Hall. Savalas later returned to his first love, the stage, and appeared in many off-Broadway plays. He died of leukemia in 1985, aged 60, and was survived by his wife and their six children (five sons and one daughter).
George Savalas served in the Pacific during WWII and was a decorated U.S. Navy gunner. He learned his craft at Columbia University's School of Drama. Before making it to the small screen, he was an accomplished stage actor and acting instructor. He was, briefly, the drummer for the Clyde McCoy Big Band. He got his start on the Dick Powell Theater, and went on to guest star on other series. He appeared in several films including Genghis Khan (1965) and Kelly's Heroes (1970). After "Kojak" ended, he recorded a Top-10 Greek language record and toured with his band at many major venues including Carnegie Hall. Savalas later returned to his first love, the stage, and appeared in many off-Broadway plays. He died of leukemia in 1985, aged 60, and was survived by his wife and their six children (five sons and one daughter).
Filmography
| 2016 | |
| 1985 | Alice in Wonderland (1985) (TV Series) · as The Courtier |
| 1985 | Kojak: The Belarus File · as Stavros |
| 1982 | Fake-Out · as The Pit Boss |
| 1976 | Alice (TV Series) |
| 1974 | Kolchak: The Night Stalker (TV Series) · as Kaz (as Demosthenes) |
| 1973 | Fade In · as Norman |
| 1973 | Kojak (TV Series) · as Curly Stavors |
| 1973 | The Outfit · as Kenilworth Finance Employee (uncredited) |
| 1973 | The Marcus-Nelson Murders · as Jack Deems |
| 1972 | Whodunnit? (UK) (TV Series) · as Panellist |
| 1971 | All in the Family (TV Series) · as Joe Frouge |
| 1970 | The Family · as Shapiro |
| 1970 | Kelly's Heroes · as 1st Sgt. Mulligan (artillerly Unit) |
| 1969 | A Dream of Kings · as Apollo |
| 1969 | Backtrack! · as Turnkey |
| 1968 | Rosemary's Baby · as Workman |
| 1967 | Mannix (TV Series) · as Sergeant |
| 1965 | The Slender Thread · as Pool Player |
| 1965 | Genghis Khan · as Toktoa |
| 1964 | Daniel Boone (TV Series) · as The Warden |
| 1964 | The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (TV Series) · as Greek Merchant |
| 1964 | The Rogues (TV Series) · as Lobo |
| 1964 | Good Neighbor Sam · as Truck Driver (uncredited) |
| 1963 | The Fugitive (TV Series) · as Prisoner |
| 1962 | Combat! (TV Series) · as Cooper |
| 1962 | The Virginian (TV Series) · as Turnkey |
| 1962 | The Dakotas (TV Series) · as Pope, Bartender |
| 1961 | Dr. Kildare (TV Series) · as Aristos |
| 1961 | Ripcord (TV Series) · as Dog Man |
| 1961 | The Dick Powell Show (TV Series) · as Reveller At Party |