Christopher George(1931-1983)

A solidly built and boyishly handsome American leading man, Christopher George was the son of Greek immigrants. Weaned on stories of the legendary Greek heroes, George and his brother Nick (later a prominent fashion photographer) both quit high school to join the Marines. Completing his education after his tour of duty, George acted in numerous TV commercials, winning a New York Film Festival Award for his efforts. He appeared in Broadway plays such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and films such as Howard Hawks's El Dorado (1966). He also became a great friend of John Wayne in the film Chisum (1970). George also became a TV star in the wartime adventure TV series The Rat Patrol (1966). He later starred in the science fiction TV series The Immortal (1969) and then returned to films. He starred in the films Project X (1968), The Train Robbers (1973), Midway (1976), Grizzly (1976), Day of the Animals (1977), The Exterminator (1980), Graduation Day (1981), Pieces (1982), and his last film, Mortuary (1982). He also appeared in another 30 films and several TV guest appearances.Christopher George died of a heart attack. He was married to his wife, actress Lynda Day George (who was also his frequent co-star), for 13 years.