George Chakiris was born on September 16, 1934. He is an American dancer, singer and film actor.
Biography and Career
George Chakiris was born in Norwood, Ohio. He is the son of Steven and Zoe Chakiris. They were immigrants from Greece. George Chakiris received his education from the American School of Dance.
In 1974, Chakiris made his film debut in the chorus of Song of Love. Later he appeared in several small roles, usually as a dancer or a member of the chorus in various musical films. He was one of the dancers in Marilyn Monroe's Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend number in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes released in 1953. He again appeared as a dancer alongside Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas in the Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me.
In 1961, George's biggest success ca
me with the film West Side Story, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Bernardo, leader of the Sharks.
He had also appeared as Riff, leader of the Jets, in the West End in London. He starred as a doctor in the film Diamond Head released in 1963, opposite Charlton Heston and Yvette Mimieux, and in 1967, he appeared alongside Gene Kelly in Jacques Demy's French musical Les Demoiselles de Rochefort.
Besides films, Chakiris performed on Broadway and for television. In the early 1960s, he embarked on a career as a pop singer, resulting in a couple of minor hit songs. In 1960, he recorded one single with noted producer Joe Meek.
George Chakiris worked more in television in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing on such shows as Wonder Woman, Medical Center, Hawaii Five-O, Dallas, Murder, She Wrote and the TV daytime drama Santa Barbara
In Superboy, he appeared as Professor Peterson during the series first two seasons from 1988-1990. Chakiris's last role to date was in a 1996 episode of the sitcom Last of the Summer Wine.
He has given occasional television interviews since then but is mostly retired. His hobby of making sterling silver jewelry has turned into a new occupation.
General Appearance
Birth Name: George Chakiris
Birth: September 16, 1934
George Chakiris was born on September 16, 1934. He is an American dancer, singer and film actor.
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