George Savalas

Greek-American actor George Savalas is best known for his role as Detective Stavros on the TV series Kojak.

He was born George Desmosthenes Savalas on December 5, 1924 in New York City to Greek American parents Christina (née Kapsalis), a New York City artist who was a native of Sparti, and Nick Savalas, a Greek restaurant owner.

During World War II he was a gunner in the US Navy and served in the Pacific theater. After studying drama at the Columbia University drama school, he successfully embarked on a career as a stage actor and acting instructor. He was also briefly the drummer for the Clyde McCoy Big Band.

Savalas got his start acting on The Dick Powell Theater and went on to guest star in many series, including The Virginian, The Man From Uncle, Mannix and All in the Family. Later on he acted in several films Ghengis Khan and Kelly's Heroes being the most notable. He was best known for his role as curly haired Detective Stavros on the television series Kojak (1973 to 1978). Co-starring with his brother Telly Savalas, he was billed as Demosthenes in the end credits to avoid confusion.

After the Kojak series he recorded a top-10 Greek language record and toured with his band at different venues including Carnegie Hall. Savalas once again returned to the stage, appearing in many off-Broadway plays before retiring due to leukemia.

On October 2, 1985, George Savalas died of leukemia at 60. He was survived by his wife Robin and six children: Nicholas George, Leonidas George, Constantine George, Gregory George, Matthew George and Militza.

Source: Wikipedia, Find A Grave, The New York Times