Actor George Maharis, who co-starred with Martin Milner in the classic 1960s TV series "Route 66", passed away last week. He was 94 years old. Maharis had a multifaceted career, starring on TV, stage and motion pictures. He also found some success as a singer in the 1960s. Maharis,a native of Queens, New York, studied at the Actors Studio and became a popular presence on American television, guest starring on many hit shows. His popular role on "Route 66" ended before the third season had concluded. It was said that the producers of "Route 66" released him from the show
because of suspected homosexuality in an era that was intolerant towards
gays in the film industry, though other variations of his departure
centered on his health and his desire to leave TV for motion pictures. He parlayed his popularity on TV into modest stardom on the big screen. Among his films: "Exodus", "Sylvia", "The Satan Bug" and "The Happening". Maharis was not without controversy. In 1967, he was arrested for engaging in "lewd conduct". He appeared nude in "Playgirl" magazine in 1973.The following year, he was arrested on charges of soliciting sex. The case was widely reported in the media and arguably had a negative impact on Maharis's career.
Maharis, who was of Greek heritage, boasted the kind of good looks that made him a heart throb at the height of his career. His last screen credit was the suspense thriller "Doppelganger" in 1993, after which he retired from show business. For more about his career, click here.