Actor George Maharis passed away on May 24 at the age of 94, a notice shared on social media by a close friend. Maharis is remembered for his work on television, stage performances, singing, and a broad range of acting projects, and above all for being someone who would help others without hesitation. Friends and colleagues remember him as a generous and warm person who left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Born on September 1, 1928, in Astoria, New York, Maharis trained at an acting studio and spent many years performing on stage. His screen debut came in 1958 with the film The Robber. He later appeared in a series of projects including The Naked City, Exit, In Search of Tomorrow, and many others. In 1960, he was cast as Baz Murdoch in Stirling Silliphant’s Highway 66, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination. Health issues forced him to depart the show during the third season, however, leaving a lasting mark on the series and its fans.
In the years that followed, Maharis continued to act in films and television. His credits include Covenant with Death, Happening, Night Gallery, Medical Center, Deadliest Game, Mission: Impossible, Barnaby Jones, Shaft, and more. The actor’s final screen appearance was in Doppelganger (1993), directed by Avi Neshara and featuring performers such as Drew Barrymore and George Newbern.
In related entertainment news, it was previously reported that artist Ilya Kabakov passed away at the age of 89.