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  Born Stuart Michael Zonis on the 5th of February 1937, in New York. He is a first generation American of Russian-Romanian parentage, with Greek heritage as well. His father arrived in the United States with 15 dollars in his pocket, unable to speak English, who starting humbly as a shipping clerk, built up a huge knitwear empire of baby's clothes and women's sweaters. Brought up in comfortable surroundings with a good education, he was determined to stand on his own feet without parental help. The first indication he might become an actor was when he made his first stage appearance at the age 11 at a children's camp. He played the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz. He went to New York Grammer School and High School before studying at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts. He had thoughts of becoming a lawyer, and was also interested in psychology, choosing to take this subject as a major when taking his Bachelor of Arts degree. At the time he became more interested in amateur dramatics and during his third year at University, auditioned for summer stock at Lambertville, New Jersey - one of the 15 companies he tried for. The other 14 had rejected him. He appeared in Plain and Fancy, singing in the chorus and playing a small part as a State Trooper. His intention was to return to University after summer, but before the new term started Stuart decided to make the stage his career and wanted to start right away, without continuing his studies. However, he soon went back to University after an embarrassing audition as a chorus singer for the New York City Centre. He gained more experience and then won a leading role in The Boy Friend, though he was completely untrained as a singer and dancer. After the play ended, he was theatrically unemployed for five months, though he worked in a variety of jobs. A major step forward in his career was when he played the title role in Li'l Abner. However, this success was followed by another long spell of unemployment, from August 1959 until February 1960. He now received unemployment support from the government, this allowed him to spend his time looking for other parts. He describes this as his "peanut butter" period, when peanut butter was his staple diet. He began to wonder whether he had done the right thing to become an actor. He could have got chorus jobs, but his policy was that one should always progress. His luck changed when he got into the Broadway production of From A to Z, with Hermione Gingold. However, the show folded after 17 performances. It wasn't too long before he found further work, this time in repertory at Rhode Island where he gained his most valuable experience as an actor, playing every type of role from a 19-year-old juvenile to a 90-year-old man. The many plays in which he appeared during this spell included Twentieth Century, Monique, Venus Observed, June and the Paycock and Man and Superman. Being involved in the Broadway production of Irma la Douce was a turning point in his life, personal and career wise. He met his future wife, British actress, Deirdre Ottawill during this period. His part in the play progressed to being the lead after the production toured to Las Vegas. Deirdre and Stuart took an apartment in New York, facing a tough four months. Stage roles weren't coming for him, the only work was in small TV roles, such as in Naked City as a Naval Intelligence Lieutenant. Deirdre was expecting a baby, daughter Jennifer was to be born in May 1962. Next came a dual role in Cool Off - as a slothful husband and also as the Devil - which opened in Philadelphia and lasted for four days after harsh critical reactions. Due to this failure, he took time to visit England with his wife and baby, visiting relatives. He only intended to stay three weeks but instead stayed three months due to getting a role in The Really Good Jazz Piano. He returned to American and appeared in Can Can, No Strings, Most Happy Fella, a couple of off-Broadway plays; won the Theatre World award for his performance in Boys from Syracuse; played Prince Charming in the TV spectacular Cinderella; Sir Lancelot in Camelot and Do I Hear A Waltz?, then received an offer to go to London again to appear in Charley Girl. This led to further TV appearances in England including The Bed-Sit Girl, the David Frost programme, Man in a Suitcase and to the starring role as Houdini in Man of Magic on the West End. His next work was as Craig Stirling in The Champions. Stuart is most well-known these days for his long-running role in the long-running soap opera General Hospital. For over 20 years now he has been known as Doctor Alan Quartermaine. His popularity in the series is evident in his longeviety. He was nominated for a daytime Emmy for his role and continues to shine.
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