Savalas began acting in his 30s, playing mainly 'heavies' in films. He shaved his head for The Birdman of Alcatraz in which he played Feto Gomez. He earned himself a Best Supporting Actor Oscar Nomination for his portrayal of the prisoner on soliary row. After Oscar-recognition Savalas went on to roles in films including "The Dirty Dozen" and "Kelly Heroes". His most memorable film role was as Ernst Stavro Blofield in 1969's Lazenby-led Bond, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".

Savalas found true stardom as the lollipop-sucking New York police Lieutenant Theo Kojak in a highly rated TV movie, The Marcus-Nelson Murders, which spun off the hit series "Kojak". He earned an Emmy during the first season of the show and was also nominated for four Golden Globes, winning twice in 1975 and 1976, Best Actor in a Drama Series. Savalas later starred in a pair of Kojak TV movies in 1985 and 1987 before unsuccessfully relaunching the series (as part of the "ABC Saturday Mystery Movie") in the 1989-90 season.

Back to the Top

In 1974 Savalas released "TellY" which is a classic example of the "famous actor makes a record" genre, Telly used his "Kojak" fame to thrill fans with superb versions of "Something", "You and me against the world", "Rubber bands and bits of string", and not forgetting the UK Number 1 Hit "If". Telly's classic New York accent flows beautifully over the music on all the tracks, making this a must for all Telly Savalas fans.

Savalas released his second record "Who Loves Ya, Baby" in 1976, and at the height of his popularity did a number of sell-out Las Vegas shows

Back to the Top

A combination of his superstar acting qualities, and his heartfelt vocals elevated Savalas to sex-symbol states at the age of 49.

Women wanted him!

Men wanted to be him!

Savalas was a warm and loving man who adored his fans as much as they adored him. He loved the attention which he received wherever he went and would never feel pestered if asked to spout one of his famous catchphrases like, "Who loves ya baby!".

Back to the Top