George Maharis, who was best known for his role as Buz Murdock on the hit television show Route 66, died on May 24 after a 60-year battle with hepatitis, contrary to initial reports that said he did so on May 25. His sister and brother are still alive, despite the fact that he never wed or produced children.
“George Maharis died on May 25. George is well known for his work as an artist, stage performances, singing, and his status as a Route 66 celebrity. But above all, he is a kind person who will go above and beyond for anyone. Marc Bahan, Maharis’ longtime friend and caregiver, wrote on Facebook: “My dear buddy, you’ll be sorely missed. ”.
Maharis began performing in movies and sitcoms in 1953, and over the course of the following seven years, he appeared in numerous productions, including 1959’s Naked City. He was selected to star in Route 66, a Naked City spin-off series, the following year (1960), and he did so for the first three seasons before leaving in 1963.
For Outstanding Continuing Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Series in 1962, Maharis was nominated for an Emmy; E. G. Marshall, the protagonist of The Defenders, took home the award. Around this time, he also started writing and performing some of his most well-known songs.
After contracting hepatitis in late 1962, he tried to return to Route 66, but the long hours and demanding schedule proved to be too much. Maharis recalled the doctor’s warning: “If you don’t get out now, you’re either going to be dead, or you’re going to have permanent liver damage,” in an interview from 2007. ”.
Before making a comeback to the big screen in 1964 with Quick Before It Melts, Maharis had to wait almost two years for his body to be able to handle the strain. He made numerous appearances in sitcoms, TV shows, and movies over the next three decades. In 1993’s Doppelganger, he played Mike Wallace in his final role, bringing an end to his acting career.
Among his other well-known works are Sylvia (1965), A Covenant with Death (1967), The Happening (1967), The Desperados (1969), The Most Deadly Game (1970-1971), and Fantasy Island (1979–1982). Teach Me Tonight, After the Lights Go Down Low, and They Knew About You are just a few of his well-known songs.
Younger people might not be aware of George Maharis’ impact on the 1960s. We’re talking about a person whose appearance in one of the most well-liked early 1960s series served as the inspiration for the No. 1 song “Teach Me Tonight.”. Billboard ranked it at number 25 in 1962. Everywhere, his voice was audible.
I had a huge crush on George when I was a teenager and he was traveling down Route 66. I read all of the magazine articles about him. I recently purchased the entire VHS season one of Route 66. It could be made into a DVD, I think. I still have one of his records, said a supporter who had been there for the actor/singer throughout his entire career. ”.
He was one of those famous mid-century manly men I wanted to meet when I grew up, and I knew that when I was a child.
Who wasn’t smitten by George?
I’ve always heard that he was kind to his followers. I so wish I had had the chance to meet him. I hope he enjoyed his many years,” a supporter wrote on Facebook.
