George Maharis is an American actor, singer, and model who was born on September 1, 1928, in Astoria, Queens, New York. He is best known for his role as Buz Murdock in the television series “Route 66,” which aired from 1960 to 1964.
Maharis grew up in a Greek-American family and began his career as a nightclub singer. He gained recognition after appearing on several popular television shows of the time, including “The Phil Silvers Show” and “Naked City.” However, his breakthrough came when he was cast as Buz Murdock in “Route 66,” alongside co-star Martin Milner. The series followed the adventures of two young men traveling across the United States in a Chevrolet Corvette.
Maharis’s performance in “Route 66” earned him critical acclaim and a significant fan following. His portrayal of the complex and rebellious character resonated with audiences, and he became a teen idol of the era. During his time on the show, Maharis also pursued a career in music and released several singles, including the popular song “Teach Me Tonight.”
After leaving “Route 66” in 1963 due to health issues, Maharis continued to work in both television and film. He appeared in movies such as “Quick, Let’s Get Married” and “The Satan Bug” and made guest appearances on shows like “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour” and “Mission: Impossible.” However, his success in Hollywood was overshadowed by personal struggles and legal issues.
In the late 1960s, Maharis was arrested for lewd behavior in a public restroom, which resulted in negative publicity and damaged his career. Although he continued to work in the entertainment industry, the incident had a lasting impact on his public image. Maharis eventually shifted his focus towards stage performances and worked in theater productions, including the Broadway musical “Man of La Mancha.”
Despite the setbacks he faced, George Maharis made notable contributions to the entertainment industry during his career. His portrayal of Buz Murdock in “Route 66” remains his most significant achievement, and he is remembered as an influential figure in the 1960s television landscape.
George Maharis Songs and movies
He released several singles during his time in the spotlight. Here are some notable songs by George Maharis:
- “Teach Me Tonight” (1962)
- “Love Me as I Love You” (1962)
- “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You” (1962)
- “Baby Has Gone Bye Bye” (1963)
- “Where Can You Go for a Broken Heart” (1963)
Notable movies featuring George Maharis
- “Quick, Let’s Get Married” (1964) – Maharis played the role of Nick.
- “The Satan Bug” (1965) – He portrayed Dr. Gregor Hoffman.
- “The Happening” (1967) – Maharis appeared as Dr. Nick Fleming.
- “The Desperados Are in Town” (1956) – He played the role of Danny.
- “The Money Jungle” (1967) – Maharis portrayed Eddie Landis.