Person Details

Birthday: 1924-12-05 03:17:35

Death: 1985-10-02 03:17:35

Aliases: Demosthenes Savalas , Demosthenes

Gender: Male

Place of birth: Bronx, New York, USA

Homepage:

Movie Involvements: 8

TV Involvements: 11


Most Famous Work

Biography

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).

Most Famous Work

Mannix
Average
7

Mannix

(1967) Sergeant
Dr. Kildare
Average
5

Dr. Kildare

(1961) Aristos
Daniel Boone
Average
7

Daniel Boone

(1964) The Warden
The Fugitive
Average
7

The Fugitive

(1963) Prisoner
The Virginian
Average
6

The Virginian

(1962) Turnkey
Kolchak: The Night Stalker
Average
8

Kolchak: The Night Stalker

(1974) Kaz (as Demosthenes)
Kojak
Average
7

Kojak

(1973) Det. Stavros
Alice in Wonderland
Average
7

Alice in Wonderland

(1985) Courtier

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