- Born
- Died
- Birth nameGeorge Nicholas Tsavalas
- Nickname
- Georgie
- Height6′ (1.83 m)
- 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 and was billed as 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).
- IMDb mini biography by: Nicholas Savalas
- SpouseRobin Abber(January 23, 1968 - October 2, 1985) (his death, 6 children)
- ChildrenNicholas George SavalasLeonidas George SavalasConstantine George SavalasGregory George SavalasMatthew George SavalasMilitza Savalas
- Parents
- RelativesChristina Savalas Kousakis(Niece or Nephew)Candace Savalas(Niece or Nephew)Penelope Savalas(Niece or Nephew)Nick Savalas(Niece or Nephew)Christian Savalas(Niece or Nephew)Ari K.S.(Niece or Nephew)Ariana Savalas(Niece or Nephew)Telly Savalas(Sibling)Gus Savalas(Sibling)
- Curly hair
- A deep voice, near identical to that of his brother Telly's.
- Heavyset frame
- Fluent in Greek, he recorded a Top-10 Greek language record.
- Died the same day as Rock Hudson. Hudson and his older brother, Telly Savalas appeared in Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971).
- Savalas served in the Pacific during WWII and was a decorated U.S. Navy gunner. After the war, he attended Columbia University School of Drama on the GI Bill.
- Changed his middle name later in life from "Nicholas" to "Demosthenes". He was credited on the television series Kojak (1973) simply as "Demosthenes" with no surname during the first two seasons; beginning with the first episode of the third season he was credited as George Savalas.
- Uncle of Christina Savalas, Candace Savalas, Penelope Savalas, Nick Savalas, Christo Savalas and Ari K.S..
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