George Maharis was an American actor who is best known for his role as Buz Murdock in the TV series Route 66, as well as appearances in Naked City and Exodus. He gained fame in the 1960s but faced personal and professional challenges throughout his career.
Personal and Family Life
George Maharis was born on September 1, 1928, in Astoria, Queens, New York City. He was one of seven siblings in a family with an immigrant father who owned a restaurant. After high school, he served in the US Marine Corps, reaching the rank of corporal. Maharis initially pursued a singing career before shifting to acting due to vocal cord issues.
Career Highlights
Maharis trained under well-known acting coaches and achieved early recognition on the off-Broadway scene. He got his big break when he was cast as Buz Murdock in Route 66, which became a hit series. However, his time on the show ended abruptly due to health issues and a contract dispute, leading to a decline in his career. Despite setbacks, he made various appearances in films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Death and Legacy
George Maharis passed away on May 24, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California, due to hepatitis. He left behind a legacy of performances that made a significant impact on the television landscape of the 1960s. His role in Route 66 remains iconic, showcasing his talent and charisma during Hollywood’s golden age.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Route 66 | 1960-10-07 | Buz Murdock |
| The Satan Bug | 1965-03-26 | Lee Barrett |
| Doppelganger | 1993-03-01 | Mike Wallace |
| The Happening | 1967-05-17 | Taurus |
| Sylvia | 1965-02-10 | Alan Macklin |
| Look What’s Happened to Rosemary’s Baby | 1976-10-29 | Guy Woodhouse |
| The Monk | 1969-10-22 | Gus Monk |
| Quick, Before It Melts | 1965-01-20 | Peter Santelli |
| Return to Fantasy Island | 1978-01-20 | Lowell Benson |
| Exodus | 1960-12-15 | Yoav |