George Maharis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Maharis
Maharis in a 1962 publicity photo
Born	(1928-09-01)September 1, 1928 Astoria, New York, U.S.
Died	May 24, 2023(2023-05-24) (aged 94) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, singer, artist
Years active	1953–1993

George Maharis (born September 1, 1928 – died May 24, 2023) was an American actor, singer, and artist. He was best known for playing Buz Murdock in the TV show Route 66. George also released several pop music albums. Later, he starred in another TV series called The Most Deadly Game.

George Maharis's Early Life and Education

George Maharis was born in Astoria, Queens, New York. He was the third of six children. His parents, Vasidos Maharis and Demetra Stranis, came from Greece. George grew up in a neighborhood called Hell's Kitchen. His brother, Robert, worked on the Route 66 show too.

George went to Flushing High School. People there noticed he was a talented singer. He left school early to join the United States Marine Corps for 18 months. After that, he finished his high school diploma. He took many different jobs while trying to start his singing career. He also acted in musicals outside of New York City.

First Acting Roles

George got his first acting chance on the TV comedy show Mister Peepers. He played a funny version of the famous actor Marlon Brando. After this, he studied acting at the Actors Studio. His teachers were Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg.

Starting His Career in Acting

After a short time at the Cincinnati Playhouse, George Maharis went back to New York. He became well-known for his roles in plays performed off-Broadway. These are plays shown in smaller theaters, not the big ones on Broadway.

In 1955, critics praised his acting in plays like Dancing in the Chequered Shade. He also performed in 27 Wagons Full of Cotton. In 1958, a New York Times critic said his acting in Deathwatch was "strong and clever."

In 1960, he acted in the first U.S. play by Edward Albee, called The Zoo Story. A famous critic, Brooks Atkinson, said George's acting was "first-rate." For this role, George won the Performance award at the Theatre World Awards.

George later found work in television. He appeared on shows like Studio One and Naked City. He also started his film career. He acted in The Mugger (1958) and Exodus (1960).

Starring in Route 66

In 1960, George Maharis began starring with Martin Milner in the CBS TV series Route 66. This show was very popular. His acting earned him an Emmy nomination in 1962. This award is a big honor for TV actors.

George appeared in 82 episodes of the show. He left during the third season because of health issues. He said he was working too many hours. He explained, "If I keep going at the present pace, I'm a fool." He added that even with a lot of money, you can't buy a new liver.

There were some disagreements after he left. The show's producers thought he was pretending to be sick. They tried to stop him from taking other jobs. But George won the legal argument. His contract was no longer valid. He made his first TV appearance after Route 66 in July 1963. After George left, the show's popularity went down. Route 66 was canceled in March 1964.

In November 1963, George talked about his time on Route 66.

Some actors wouldn't touch a series, but they're just like summer stock. A show a week jazz. The series taught how to maintain my integrity and not get sucked in by compromise. Guys wrote the show who had never seen it.... I worked with two-and-a-half years of directors but only five had talent. Usually they'd stick a camera in front of you and expect you to recite. You have to fight for your standards. Then what happens? They call you difficult. But that shouldn't make any difference. In the last analysis, it's your own standards, your own belief that you are doing something good, that sells a show.

Later Acting Career

Maharis, around 1972

After Route 66, George acted in several films. These included Quick, Before It Melts (1964) and The Satan Bug (1965). He also appeared in Sylvia (1965) and The Happening (1967).

In 1970, George returned to TV series. He starred as Jonathan Croft, a crime expert, in The Most Deadly Game. This show ran for 13 episodes.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, George Maharis acted in many TV movies. He also made guest appearances on popular shows. These included Mission: Impossible, Fantasy Island, and Kojak. He also appeared in Murder, She Wrote.

George played Count Machelli in the fantasy film The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982). He also performed on stage sometimes. His last movie role was in Doppelganger (1993).

Visual Art and Music

George Maharis released music albums and singles early in his career. His first album, "George Maharis Sings!", was very popular in 1962. It stayed on the Billboard's Album Chart for 29 weeks. It even reached number 10.

His song "Teach Me Tonight" was also a success. It reached number 25 on the Hot 100 chart. In 1963, he sang on The Judy Garland Show. He performed "Side by Side" with Judy Garland herself.

Later in life, George performed in nightclubs. He also started a second career as a painter. He painted in an impressionist style. As of 2008, George Maharis was still painting. He divided his time between New York City and Beverly Hills, California.

Death

George Maharis passed away at his home in Beverly Hills. He died on May 24, 2023, at the age of 94. He was survived by his brother Robert and a sister.

George Maharis's Filmography

Television Shows

Films George Maharis Acted In

George Maharis's Music Albums and Songs

Albums Released

Original releases

• 1962 – George Maharis Sings! – Epic LN 24001/BN 26001
• 1962 – Portrait in Music – Epic LN 24021/BN 26021
• 1963 – Just Turn Me Loose! – Epic LN 24037/BN 26037
• 1963 – Where Can You Go For a Broken Heart? – Epic LN 24064/BN 26064
• 1964 – Tonight You Belong to Me – Epic LN 24111/BN 26111
• 1966 – New Route: George Maharis – Epic LN 24191/BN 26191

Singles Released

Original releases

• 1962 – "After the Lights Go Down Low" / "Teach Me Tonight" – Epic 5-9504
• 1962 – "They Knew About You" / "Love Me as I Love You" – Epic 5-9522
• 1962 – "I'll Never Smile Again" / "Can't Help Falling In Love" – Epic 5-9545
• 1962 – "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66" / "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby" – Epic 3-9548
• 1962 – "Baby Has Gone Bye Bye" / "After One Kiss" – Epic 5-9555
• 1963 – "Don't Fence Me In" / "Alright, Okay, You Win" – Epic 5-9569
• 1963 – "Where Can You Go (For a Broken Heart)" / "Kiss Me" – Epic 5-9600
• 1963 – "That's How It Goes" / "It Isn't There" – Epic 5-9613
• 1963 – "It's a Sin to Tell a Lie" / "Sara Darling" – Epic 5-9653
• 1964 – "Tonight You Belong to Me" / "The Object of My Affection" – Epic 5-9696
• 1964 – "I'm Coming Back for You" / "Lonely People Do Foolish Things" – Epic 5-9753
• 1965 – "Where Does Happiness Go" / "More I Cannot Do" – Epic 5-9772
• 1965 – "You Always Hurt the One You Love" / "Quien Sabe? (Who Knows? Who Knows?)" – Epic 5-9844
• 1965 – "A World Without Sunshine" / "Ivy" – Epic 5-9858
• 1966 – "Goodbye, Good Luck And God Bless You/Never Is A Long Long Time" – Epic 5-10039

Reissued Songs

• 1964 – "Teach Me Tonight"/"Baby Has Gone Bye Bye" – Memory Lane (Epic) 5-2223
• 1965 – "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66!/Can't Help Falling In Love" – Memory Lane (Epic) 5-2227

See also

In Spanish: George Maharis para niños