George Maharis, a stage-trained actor with rough-hewn good looks who became an icon to American youth in the 1960s as he cruised the country in a Corvette convertible in the hit television series “Route 66,” has died.
LOS ANGELES —
The pair decided to travel the highway author John Steinbeck had dubbed “The Mother Road.” Each week brought a new adventure in a new city, and audiences tuned in in droves. “Route 66” was said to have been inspired by Jack Kerouac’s novel “On the Road,” and it spawned its own hit song, an instrumental composed by Nelson Riddle. The more familiar tune, “ Route 66,” was not connected to the series.
A native New Yorker, one of seven children born to Greek immigrants, Maharis really was raised in Hell’s Kitchen. His parents ran a successful restaurant, and they wanted George to join the family business. Excellent notices for his work in Edward Albee’s play “Zoo Story,” and in appearances on the television drama “Naked City,” attracted attention. After a small role in the 1960 film “Exodus” and a few other parts, he landed “Route 66.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
George Maharis, star of TV's 'Route 66' in the 1960s, dies at 94George Maharis, the handsome actor who became an icon to American youth on the hit 1960s TV series “Route 66,” has died at age 94. Maharis' friend Marc Bahan says he died Wednesday at his home in Beverly Hills, California, after contracting hepatitis. Maharis and his co-star Martin Milner cruised the country in a corvette convertible, having adventures shot on location for the CBS series. Maharis, like his character Buz Murdock, was raised in New York's Hell's Kitchen. He studied at the Actors Studio, and strong reviews in stage plays led to his landing the TV role.
Read more »
George Maharis Dies: ‘Route 66’ & ‘Fantasy Island’ Actor Was 94George Maharis, the Route 66 actor that left the series during the height of its popularity, died on Wednesday, May 24. He was 94. “George is well known for his stardom in Route 66, stage pro…
Read more »
George Maharis, ‘Route 66,’ ‘Fantasy Island’ actor dies at 94George Maharis, known best for portraying Buz Murdock in the first three seasons of “Route 66” before quitting the 1960s drama after contracting hepatitis, has died.
Read more »
George Maharis, 'Route 66' and 'Fantasy Island' Actor, Dead at 94Emmy-nominated actor George Maharis, known for roles in 'Route 66' and 'Fantasy Island,' has died at 94 years old.
Read more »
George Maharis, Star of ‘Route 66,’ Dies at 94He had to leave the popular 1960s CBS series after coming down with hepatitis.
Read more »
George Maharis, ‘Route 66’ Star, Dies at 94George Maharis, the star of “Route 66” who went on to appear on “Fantasy Island” and other shows, died Wednesday in Beverly Hills. His friend and caretaker Marc Bahan announ…
Read more »