George Maharis

George Maharis was a legendary American actor best known for his role as Buz Murdock in the 1960 TV series Route 66. Aside from being an actor, he also ventured into a singing career and released six albums and several singles. After retiring from acting, he worked as an impressionist painter and now lives a fully retired life.

Originally from Astoria, Queens, New York, George Maharis was born on September 1, 1928, making him a Virgo. The 94-year-old legendary actor was American by nationality and belonged to Greek and Native American ethnicity. He attended Flushing High School.

Quick Wikis

George Maharis Net Worth and Salary

Maharis served in the United States Marine Corps for 18 years before appearing in off-Broadway productions Deathwatch and The Zoo Story. His other stage appearances include Goodyear Television Playhouse, Naked City, Exodus, and the soap opera Search for Tomorrow. 

Maharis landed his breakthrough role as Buz Murdock in the 1960 TV series Route 66, which earned him an Emmy nomination in 1962. He then appeared in a string of films, including ‘Quick, Before It Melts,’ ‘The Satan Bug,’ ‘The Happening,’ and ‘The Desperados.’ He made his return to TV series in 1970 with The Most Deadly Game.

Maharis became the first celebrity to model fully nude for the July 1973 issue of Playgirl magazine. His other television credits include Mission: Impossible, McMillan & Wife, Cannon, The Bionic Woman, The Sword, and the Sorcerer, Fantasy Island, The Master, and his last motion picture film Doppelganger.

After departing from acting roles, Maharis started performing in nightclubs and working as an impressionist painter. Earlier in his career, he had also released several albums and singles through Epic Records.

The legendary actor who was in his 90s lived a lavish lifestyle; all thanks to his past film and TV roles that earned him millions of net worth. As of 2024, George Maharis had an estimated net worth of $2 million before death.

Married, Wife, or Partner?

In the past, Maharis had a difficult time being his gay self. He was even arrested twice for having sex with men in restrooms in 1967 and 1974.

Other than these facts, nothing about Maharis’ personal life has surfaced in the media. He was an extremely private person and hadn’t revealed whether he was married, had a wife, or lived a single life.

Parents, Siblings, and Family

Maharis was from a large family. He was one of seven children born to his Greek immigrant parents – Vasidos Maharis and Demetra Strains. His father owned three restaurants on Long Island.

Maharis and his siblings grew up in poverty as his father’s business couldn’t make a profit. His mother had to work extensively to support the family. Among six siblings, his brother, Robert Maharis also worked as an actor. One of his brothers died at an early age.

George Maharis Height and Weight

Maharis stood tall at a decent height of 6 feet and weighed around 63 kg.

George Maharis FAQs