Who Loves Ya Baby?

One of my favorite movie actors when I was growing up was a Greek American like me. His name was Telly Savalas and he was a household name in the United States.  Telly grew up in New York City and he was extremely proud of his Greek heritage, which he highlighted  in his portrayal of the hard nosed, street wise New York City police homicide detective name "Kojak" in the hit TV series with that name.  Coincidently his funny, wisecracking colleague in the series was played by one of his brothers, George Savalas, who's name in the series was coincidently, Stavros.

Throughout his life, Telly Savalas was not only an accomplished actor but also a charismatic, creative writer, director, and producer. He won the Emmy, the Peabody, and Golden Globe Awards.  He was also a strong contributor to his Greek Orthodox roots through the Saint Sophia and Saint Nicholas Cathedrals in Los Angeles, and helped bring electricity in the '70's to his ancestral home of Yeraka, Greece.

Many people do not know that Telly was a Army veteran of World War II, world-class poker player, degreed in psychology; a motorcycle racer, and lifeguard. He appeared in over eighty movies, many of them classics. He was considered by those who knew him a generous, graceful, compassionate man. I came across this rather grainy video on Youtube and just had to share it with you.

Comments

[GreekAmericanNYC]

Good story, and I can relate: my dad said he wanted to name me "Plutarchos", but fortunately, my mom intervened.

I can't imagine what it would have been like having the same nickname as a Disney character!

[Ted]

Stavros,
you bring back memories! I watched Kojak reruns well into the night with a passion. Of course, younger generations would find Kojak too "primitive" but those were the days of character actors and low budgets... Better days, weren't they?

[Stavros]

Ted,

I was in my twenties back in the seventies and away from home. Theo Kojak and the New York City backdrop for the series reminded me of home. It was a different kind of television, more fun and the shows back then weren't trying hard to shock you.

GANYC,

Plutarchos? I like it. I think it would have had the same effect on you as if your Dad had named you "Sue." Your boxing skillls would have been finely honed. Remember the Johnny Cash song? Maybe it was before your time.

[Ted]

"A boy named Sue"! Ah, memories, memories ...