George Savalas
Biography
George Savalas was a Greek-American actor born in the Bronx, New York, on December 5, 1924, and he died on October 2, 1985, at the age of sixty. He is best remembered for co-starring on the television detective show Kojak from 1973 to 1978, playing Detective Stavros alongside his elder brother, Telly Savalas, who starred as Kojak. To avoid confusion with his brother, George Savalas changed his middle name from Nicholas to Demosthenes later in life and was billed simply as Demosthenes in the end credits. Before his television work, he studied at Columbia University's School of Drama, worked as a stage actor and acting instructor, and briefly played drums for the Clyde McCoy Big Band. He also served as a decorated United States Navy gunner in the Pacific during World War Two.
Career overview
Greek-American actor George Savalas was born in the Bronx, New York, on December 5, 1924. Before his work on television, he served in the Pacific during World War II as a decorated United States Navy gunner. He learned his craft at Columbia University's School of Drama. Prior to appearing on the small screen, he was an accomplished stage actor and acting instructor, and he also briefly played drums for the Clyde McCoy Big Band.
Savalas is best remembered for co-starring on the popular television detective show Kojak from 1973 to 1978. He played Detective Stavros alongside his elder brother Telly Savalas, who starred as Kojak. Later in life, George Savalas changed his middle name from Nicholas to Demosthenes. To avoid confusion with his elder brother, he was billed simply as Demosthenes in the end credits.
Throughout his career, George Savalas accumulated known acting credits on television and in film. He passed away on October 2, 1985, at the age of sixty.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
28 titles- Alice in Wonderland (1985) as Courtier
- Kojak: The Belarus File (1985) as Stavros
- Fake-Out (1982) as The Pit Boss
- Κραυγή στον άνεμο (1979)
- Alice (1976)
- The Alan Hamel Show (1976)
- Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974) as Kaz (as Demosthenes)
- Kojak (1973) as Curly Stavors
- Kojak (1973) as Sgt. Stavros
- Kojak (1973) as Det. Stravros
- Kojak (1973) as Det. Stavros
- The Outfit (1973) as Kenilworth Finance Employee (uncredited)
- The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) as Jack Deems
- Fade In (1973) as Norman
- All in the Family (1971) as Joe Frouge
- Kelly's Heroes (1970) as 1st Sgt. Mulligan (Artillerly Unit)
- Violent City (1970) as Shapiro
- A Dream of Kings (1969) as Apollo (uncredited)
- Mannix (1967) as Sergeant
- The Slender Thread (1965) as Pool Player
- Genghis Khan (1965) as Toktoa
- Daniel Boone (1964) as The Warden
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964) as Greek Merchant
- Good Neighbor Sam (1964) as Truck Driver (uncredited)
- The Fugitive (1963) as Prisoner
- The Virginian (1962) as Turnkey
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- Dr. Kildare (1961) as Aristos
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is George Savalas best known for?
George Savalas is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Alice in Wonderland (1985), Shaft in Africa (1973), Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974), Kojak (1973).
When and where was George Savalas born?
George Savalas was born on December 5, 1924 in Bronx, New York, USA. They passed away on October 2, 1985.
How many credits does George Savalas have?
George Savalas has accumulated over 28 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1961 to 1985.
What is George Savalas's background in cinema and television?
George Savalas was a Greek-American actor born in the Bronx, New York, on December 5, 1924, and he died on October 2, 1985, at the age of sixty. He is best remembered for co-starring on the television detective show Kojak from 1973 to 1978, playing Detective Stavros alongside his elder brother, Telly Savalas, who starr...
George Savalas by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- All in the Family (1971) as Joe Frouge — aged about 46
- Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974) as Kaz (as Demosthenes) — aged about 49
- Kelly's Heroes (1970) as 1st Sgt. Mulligan (Artillerly Unit) — aged about 45
- The Fugitive (1963) as Prisoner — aged about 38
- Kojak (1973) as Curly Stavors — aged about 48
- Kojak (1973) as Sgt. Stavros — aged about 48
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