George Maharis is most recognized for his major role in the iconic series Route 66. He was tall, dark, and gorgeous, not to mention a colorful rebel of 1960s Hollywood. He was the first celebrity to be shot naked in the July 1973 issue of Playgirl magazine.
Maharis also dabbled in pop music and acting during the height of his career. He also published several LPs and CDs during the 1960s. Teach Me Tonight peaked at number 25 on the charts in 1962. He later appeared in The Most Deadly Game, a short-lived television series.
His Formative Years And Brief Professional Career
The actor was born and raised in Astoria, New York, in a Greek family. He joined the US Marine Corps. Following his enlistment and completion of high school, he enrolled in the renowned Actors Studio Drama School and pursued acting under the direction of director Lee Strasberg. Throughout his tenure there, he appeared in a variety of well-known television soap operas and feature films, as well as off-Broadway productions.
Earlier in his career, the actor worked with Epic Records on albums and singles. Following the success of his tunes, he got the opportunity to explore and perform in nightclubs. Additionally, as a hobby, he dabbled in abstract painting.
Despite having a passion for singing and striving to pursue it professionally as a child, overuse and poor vocal coaching destroyed his chords, and he gradually shifted his focus back to acting.
He then appeared on Broadway and in minor film roles in films such as The Mugger (1958) and Exodus (1958). (1969). Additionally, George was cast in the 1960 film Route 66 as Buz Murdock, which became his career-defining moment in show business. He was also nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance in the series.
His success, however, was fleeting, as the actor abruptly exited Route 66 in the midst of the third season’s conclusion. He recounted developing infectious hepatitis in 1962 and subsequently becoming a health hazard. He pleaded with the producers for a less demanding schedule, claiming that the shootings were grueling, but they refused, and he was forced to leave the show.
In Controversy Over Love Affairs: Gay Controversy And More
Following his announcement that he would be leaving the show due to health difficulties and would be replaced by another actor, there was great mistrust, as some found it impossible to comprehend.
Rather than that, it was stated that the makers of Route 66 were aware of Maharis’ sexuality. As a result, they maintained a tense relationship with him long after he left the program.
In 1974, the actor’s partner choices were confirmed when he was arrested in a Los Angeles gas station lavatory for engaging in physical actions with a man named Perfecto Telles. Due to the fact that having a same-sex relationship was a criminal in the 1970s, the incident significantly impacted his career. He announced his retirement from performing in 1990.
The reason Maharis left Route 66 is mentioned there, according to Karen Blocher, who is currently working on a biography of the actor. As stated in the book, she reveals that when the producers learned of Maharis’ sexuality, they felt duped and manipulated, and they never accepted him thereafter.
Fans are concerned about his well-being given that he has chosen to remain anonymous following his retirement. Maharis is still healthy and active at the age of 92.
With a net worth of $2 million, the American actor currently resides in Beverly Hills, California.
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