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

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Valentine’s Day, Greek Style: Two couples reflect on love, family and tradition

This year, The Greek Herald decided to speak with two Greek Australian couples from across the nation to ask them how they met.

‘It’s Story Time’ with Sophia Amarandos: A mini dating series on finding love

Sophia Amarandos is on her very own Bridget Jones-esque quest to find love, no matter how many glasses of wine and awkward dinners it takes.

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

Taste of the Aegean: Meet the Greek foodies bringing flavour to Antipodes 2025

This year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating Greek culture and food with 'Taste of the Aegean,' proudly supported by The Greek Herald.

Inner West Hawks FC kick off 2025 season with memorable launch event

The Inner West Hawks FC officially launched their 2025 season with a vibrant celebration at Club Five Dock RSL on Wednesday, February 12.

You May Also Like

First day of learning the Greek language online hailed a huge success in Melbourne

The afternoon schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne moved their language classes online due to the coronavirus crisis and they took off with a bang.

Greek-Australians gather for Sinodinos’ final night, before leaving for USA

Former treasurer Joe Hockey finally farewelled White Oaks — the Australian ambassador’s official residence in Washington DC — last month, making way for the arrival of...

Impressive National Theatre of Rhodes to be restored

The National Theatre of Rhodes will finally be restored in a joint project by the South Aegean Regional Authority and the municipality.