George Savalas

Acting

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).

Filmography Movies

Acting

MOVIE

Kelly's Heroes

7.4(0.8K)

A misfit group of World War II American soldiers goes AWOL to rob a bank behind German lines.

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Kelly's Heroes

1st Sgt. Mulligan (Artillerly Unit)

MOVIE

Violent City

6.0(0.1K)

A hitman is double-crossed by his girlfriend and barely escapes a murder attempt. He then sets out to take his revenge on the woman and the gang boss who put her up to it.

Kojak: The Belarus File

6.8(0.0K)

Lt. Theo Kojak uncovers a Nazi conspiracy.

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Kojak: The Belarus File

Stavros

MOVIE

The Marcus-Nelson Murders

7.6(0.0K)

A homicide detective begins to suspect that the black teenager accused of murdering two white girls is being framed by his fellow detectives.

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The Marcus-Nelson Murders

Jack Deems

MOVIE

The Outfit

6.8(0.1K)

A two-bit criminal takes on the Mafia to avenge his brother's death. Earl Macklin is a small time criminal who is released from prison after an unsuccessful bank robbery only to discover that a pair of gunmen killed his brother.

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The Outfit

Kenilworth Finance Employee (uncredited)

MOVIE

Genghis Khan

5.8(0.1K)

This is the story of the shy Mongol boy Temujin who,during the 13th century, becomes the fearless Mongol leader Genghis Khan that unites all Mongol tribes and conquers India,China,Persia,Korea and parts of Rusia,Europe and Middle-East.

Fake-Out

4.1(0.0K)

Gangster's girlfriend hangs out in a Las Vegas hotel with her cop protectors while she waits to testify.

Fade In

4.2(0.0K)

A sophisticated Hollywood film editor, on location for a film she is working on, falls for a local cowboy who is hired to work on the film.

Good Neighbor Sam

6.6(0.1K)

To help his divorced neighbor claim a substantial inheritance, a family man poses as her husband. The ruse spills over into his career in advertising, and his recent promotion relies on his wholesome and moral appearance.

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Good Neighbor Sam

Truck Driver (uncredited)

MOVIE

The Slender Thread

7.1(0.1K)

Alan is a Seattle college student volunteering at a crisis center. One night when at the clinic alone, a woman calls up the number and tells Alan that she needs to talk to someone. She informs Alan she took a load of pills, and he secretly tries to get help. During this time, he learns more about the woman, her family life, and why she wants to die. Can Alan get the cavalry to save her in time before it's too late?

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The Slender Thread

Pool Player