What's After the Movie
Telly Savalas
Aristotelis "Telly" Savalas, born on January 21, 1922, was a Greek-American actor and singer. His deep, resonant voice and signature bald head made him instantly recognizable, and he's best remembered for his portrayal of Lt. Theo Kojak on the crime drama series Kojak from 1973 to 1978, and James Bond arch-villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the film On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). His list of films include notable works like Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Battle of the Bulge (1965), The Dirty Dozen (1967), Kelly's Heroes (1970) and many others. For Birdman of Alcatraz, he was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. Savalas also had a singing career, with his cover of the Bread song "If" topping the UK charts in 1975.
Telly Savalas, whose given name was Aristotelis Savalas, was the second of five children born to Greek parents in Garden City, New York. He initially spoke only Greek when he entered grade school, later learning English. He went on to make a name for himself as an actor, achieving wide Fame in the 50s and onwards, he is remembered as a significant figure in American television and film industry. After his acting career took off, he was considered high in demand as a guest star on TV shows and films. His signature bald look was a result of his role as Pontius Pilate in The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), and he maintained this look for the rest of his life. Back in 1969, he starred in the British crime comedy Crooks and Coronets, his first leading role in a film. He later took on many other leading roles throughout the 70s. Despite his successful acting career, Savalas was also passionate about other hobbies such as travelling, golfing, swimming, and collecting luxury cars.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Telly Savalas, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Telly Savalas rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Aristotelis Savalas
Born: Garden City, New York, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: January 21, 1922
Occupations: Actor, singer
Years Active: 1950-1994
Children: 6
Spouses: Katherine Nicolaides, Marilyn Gardner, Julie Hovland
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Telly Savalas
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Telly Savalas has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical (Supporting Actor)
Birdman of AlcatrazMovies Featuring Telly Savalas
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Birdman of Alcatraz
Kelly's Heroes
Capricorn One
The Assassination Bureau
Beyond the Poseidon Adventure
Cannonball Run II
GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords
2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift
Kojak: Flowers For Matty
Kojak: None So Blind
Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story
Fake-Out
Kojak The Belarus File
Kojak: It’s Always Something
The Cartier Affair
The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission
The Equalizer - The Movie: Blood & Wine
Faceless
The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission
Telly Savalas Looks at Birmingham
Kojak: The Price of Justice
Charles Bronson: The Spirit of Masculinity
The Flintstones’ 25th Anniversary Celebration
Kojak : Error Fatal
Django & Django: Sergio Corbucci Unchained
Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell
John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die
Beau Geste
Backfire!
Genghis Khan
The Sin of Jesus
Sol Madrid
The Karate Killers
The Interns
The Young Savages
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Mind Twister
Mad Dog Coll
Lisa and the Devil
A Town Called Hell
Escape to Athena
Violent City
Kojak : Error Fatal
Joys
Visions…
The Man from the Diners’ Club
Mongo’s Back in Town
Love Is a Ball
The New Interns
Redneck
Clay Pigeon
Pancho Villa
Killer Force
The Marcus-Nelson Murders
Inside Out
The House of Exorcism
Battle of the Bulge
Sonny and Jed
Land Raiders
Mackenna’s Gold
Fanfare for a Death Scene
Crooks and Coronets
Johnny Cool
Kojak: Ariana
She Cried Murder
The Slender Thread
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Telly Savalas, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1990
Kojak: Flowers For Matty
Inspector Theo Kojak
Kojak: None So Blind
Inspector Theo Kojak
Kojak: It’s Always Something
Inspector Theo Kojak
1989
Kojak : Error Fatal
Lieutenant Theo Kojak
Kojak : Error Fatal
Lieutenant Theo Kojak
Kojak: Ariana
Lieutenant Theo Kojak
1987
The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission
Maj. Wright
The Equalizer - The Movie: Blood & Wine
Brother Joseph Heiden
Kojak: The Price of Justice
Inspector Theo Kojak
1973
Lisa and the Devil
Leandro
Redneck
Memphis
The Marcus-Nelson Murders
Lt. Theo Kojak
She Cried Murder
Inspector Joe Brody
1972
A Reason to Live, a Reason to Die
Major Ward
Visions…
Lt. Phil Keegan
Pancho Villa
Pancho Villa
Sonny and Jed
Sheriff Franciscus
1969
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
The Assassination Bureau
Land Raiders
Vince Carden
Mackenna’s Gold
Sergeant Tibbs
Crooks and Coronets
Herbie Haseler
1965
John Goldfarb, Please Come Home!
Macmuid (uncredited)
Genghis Khan
Shan
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Pontius Pilate
Battle of the Bulge
Sgt. Guffy
The Slender Thread
Dr. Joe Coburn
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