Telly Savalas, born Aristotelis Savalas on January 21, 1922, in Garden City, New York, was a Greek-American actor whose name became synonymous with his tough-guy role as Lieutenant Theo Kojak on the hit 1970s television series Kojak. His portrayal of the bald, charismatic detective in the gritty streets of New York left an indelible mark on pop culture. From his powerful performances in both film and television to his surprising ventures into music, Telly Savalas’ career and personal life are just as fascinating as the characters he portrayed.
Early Life and Military Service
Telly Savalas was born to Greek immigrant parents, Nick and Christina Savalas. Raised in a Greek-American household, Savalas spoke Greek fluently and embraced his heritage. He attended Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York, and later served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he earned the rank of staff sergeant. His experiences in the military would shape many of his views on life, and his discipline and command presence would later be reflected in his commanding on-screen persona.
After his service, Savalas studied psychology at Columbia University, but his love for performance soon drew him into the world of acting.
Telly Savalas Hollywood Breakthrough
Savalas started his acting career in the early 1960s, and by the end of the decade, he had carved out a successful niche for himself as a character actor. His big break came with his role in Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), where his compelling performance as a convict earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Savalas made appearances in a series of notable films including The Dirty Dozen (1967), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), where he played the infamous James Bond villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld.
Savalas’ distinctive deep voice and imposing presence made him a memorable figure in every role he took on, but it was his work on television that solidified his place in entertainment history.
Kojak: The Role That Defined His Legacy
In 1973, Telly Savalas was cast as Lieutenant Theo Kojak in the CBS crime drama Kojak. The series ran for five seasons and became an instant hit, making Savalas a household name. Kojak was a tough, bald, and charming New York City detective who often used a lollipop to calm his nerves—a trait that became synonymous with the character. His famous catchphrase, “Who loves ya, baby?” resonated with audiences, and Savalas’ portrayal of the unorthodox but lovable detective earned him an Emmy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Drama Series.
The success of Kojak made Savalas an icon of 1970s television, and his character’s influence extended far beyond the small screen, inspiring countless references in popular culture.
Telly Savalas Personal Life and Family
Telly Savalas’ personal life was as colorful as his career. He was married three times and fathered six children. His first marriage was to Katherine Nicolaides, with whom he had a daughter, Christina. His second marriage to Marilyn Gardner produced two more daughters, Penelope and Candace. In 1984, Savalas married Julie Hovland, and together they had two children, Christian and Ariana.
He also had a longstanding relationship with Sally Adams, with whom he had a son, Nicholas Savalas. Throughout his life, Savalas remained a devoted family man, balancing the demands of fame with his commitment to his loved ones.
Notably, Savalas was also the godfather of actress Jennifer Aniston, and he maintained a close friendship with her father, actor John Aniston.
Telly Savalas A Side Career in Music
While best known for his acting, Telly Savalas also enjoyed success as a musician. In 1975, he released a spoken-word version of the popular song “If”, which became a number one hit in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The song, with Savalas’ gravelly voice delivering a heartfelt rendition, became a surprising commercial success. He also recorded “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”, adding another layer to his multi-faceted career. Though his music career never reached the same heights as his acting, it certainly showcased his diverse talents.
The Legacy of Telly Savalas
Telly Savalas’ distinctive look and larger-than-life personality ensured that he remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry until his death. His bald head—which he embraced after initially losing his hair in his 30s—became one of his defining features, and the image of him with a lollipop has remained iconic.
Telly Savalas passed away on January 22, 1994, just one day after his 72nd birthday, after a battle with prostate cancer. Despite his death, Savalas’ legacy continues to live on, both through his immortal role as Kojak and his influence on pop culture. His work in film, television, and music has left a lasting impression on fans and fellow actors alike.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- Height: Telly Savalas stood at 6 feet (183 cm) tall, a commanding figure on and off the screen
- Catchphrase: His signature line, “Who loves ya, baby?” became synonymous with his character Kojak and has been widely referenced in other shows, movies, and media.
- Music Career: His spoken-word cover of the song If became a chart-topping hit, adding another dimension to his career.
Conclusion
Telly Savalas was more than just an actor; he was a true American icon. His Kojak character has become a cultural touchstone, his deep voice and tough demeanor forever etched in the minds of fans. His career spanned decades, encompassing film, television, and even music, all of which were infused with his undeniable charm and charisma. While his life was tragically cut short, Telly Savalas’ legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved his work. His impact on both Hollywood and television history remains unshaken, ensuring that Telly Savalas will always be remembered as one of the greats.