CineScope
George Savalas picture

George Savalas

Acting
Known For

60 Years Old

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).

Born

Bronx, New York, USA on 5th December 1924

Died

2nd October 1985

All Credits

Dr. Kildare Image
Dr. Kildare
Aristos
Mannix Image
Mannix
Sergeant
The Mike Douglas Show Image
The Mike Douglas Show
Self
Alice Image
Alice
Daniel Boone Image
Daniel Boone
The Warden
Kolchak: The Night Stalker Image
Kolchak: The Night Stalker
Kaz (as Demosthenes)
Kojak Image
Kojak
Det. Stavros
Kojak Image
Kojak
Det. Stravros
Kojak Image
Kojak
Sgt. Stavros
Kojak Image
Kojak
Curly Stavors
The Fugitive Image
The Fugitive
Prisoner
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Image
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
Greek Merchant
The Virginian Image
The Virginian
Turnkey
All in the Family Image
All in the Family
Joe Frouge
Alice in Wonderland Image
Alice in Wonderland
Courtier
The Alan Hamel Show Image
The Alan Hamel Show
Kelly's Heroes Image
Kelly's Heroes
1st Sgt. Mulligan (artillerly unit)
Genghis Khan Image
Genghis Khan
Toktoa
Good Neighbor Sam Image
Good Neighbor Sam
Truck Driver (uncredited)
The Outfit Image
The Outfit
Kenilworth Finance Employee (uncredited)
Violent City Image
Violent City
Shapiro
The Slender Thread Image
The Slender Thread
Pool Player
The Marcus-Nelson Murders Image
The Marcus-Nelson Murders
Jack Deems
A Dream of Kings Image
A Dream of Kings
Apollo (uncredited)
Kojak The Belarus File Image
Kojak The Belarus File
Stavros
Fake-Out Image
Fake-Out
The Pit Boss
Fade In Image
Fade In
Norman