On this day in 1994, Greek American actor Telly Savalas died aged 72

·

Telly Savalas was a Greek-American actor made a legacy for himself as Lt. Theo Kojak in ‘Kojak’, a role that continues to be idolised in modern television.

He was born on January 21, 1922 in Garden City, New York as a son of Greek immigrants. Savalas and his brother Gus sold newspapers and shined shoes to help support the family, and in 1941, he joined the army and served in World War II. He was later discharged with a Purple Heart disability.

After his release, Savalas attended the Armed Forces Institute where he studied radio and television production. During the early 1950s, Telly worked for ABC radio, the Voice of America, and eventually became the executive producer of his own popular talk show, Telly’s Coffee House.

In 1959, Savalas attended an audition for the CBS anthology series Armstrong Circle Theatre, intending to prompt an actor friend who was up for a role. Instead, the casting director took Savalas’ sinister demeanor into account and cast him in a character part.

A performance in Matter of Conviction impressed actor Burt Lancaster, who cast him in Birdman of Alcatraz (1962). Savalas earned a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nomination for his role as solitary row prisoner Feto Gomez.

In 1973, he landed the part of tough-talking New York City detective Theo Kojak in the TV movie The Marcus-Nelson Murders. Known for his sinister demeanour in television roles, his incredible acting launched a spin-off series, which ran from 1973-’78 on CBS. The show catapulted Savalas into icon status as the very image of the hedonistic ’70s. Savalas won an Emmy and two Golden Globes for his role on the series.

After Kojak ended, Savalas embarked on a globe-trotting existence involving several forgettable European films and a decadent, self-indulgent lifestyle.

Savalas periodically revived the character of Kojak in a few 1980s TV movies, yet never found a role that brought him back into the Hollywood spotlight.

He died on January 22, 1994, in Universal City, California.

Sourced By: Telly Savalas biography

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kostas Sloukas praises Greek Australian fans as Panathinaikos arrive in Sydney

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Sydney this week for the second leg of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

From family legacy to the Federal Court: A look into Justice Anastasis Liveris’ legal career

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian judge reflected on how he felt to achieve this major career milestone.

The Greek influence on Australian television

Among the many communities that helped shape TV culture were Greeks, whose presence both on and off screen left a lasting mark.

Critically endangered monk seal welcomes newborn on Karpathos island

The first Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) birth of 2025 has been confirmed on the island of Karpathos.

Campaigners celebrate as Milos luxury hotel project is halted

Environmental activists have welcomed the suspension of a controversial five-star hotel project on Milos’s world-famous “moon beach”.

You May Also Like

Alex Theris pleads guilty to ongoing supply of MDMA and cocaine

In Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, Theris appeared in person as he pleaded guilty to supplying drugs on an ongoing basis.

Canberra Hellenic Dancers: Keeping Greek culture alive one step at a time

If you’re a Greek Australian who’s grown up in Canberra, you’re probably familiar with the Canberra Hellenic Dancers (CHD).

Maira Myrogianni appointed Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad

Maira Myrogianni has taken over from John Chrysoulakis as Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad.