# Telly Savalas

> American film and television actor and singer (1922–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q209471](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q209471)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telly_Savalas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/telly-savalas

## Summary
Telly Savalas was an American film and television actor, singer, and director best known for his iconic role as Detective Theo Kojak in the 1970s TV series *Kojak*. His career spanned over three decades, earning him critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe, and cementing his legacy as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable tough-guy actors.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1922 (exact place not specified in source material)
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**: Attended Columbia University and Columbia University School of General Studies
- **Known for**: Acting in film and television, singing, and directing
- **Employer(s)**: Primarily worked in entertainment (specific studios or networks not listed)
- **Field(s)**: Film, television, music, radio, poker

## Contributions
Telly Savalas contributed significantly to American entertainment through his acting, singing, and directing. His most notable work includes:
- **Acting**: Starred as Detective Theo Kojak in *Kojak* (1973–1978), a role that earned him a **Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series** (1974) and a **Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama** (1975).
- **Film Roles**: Appeared in major films such as *The Dirty Dozen* (1967) and *On Her Majesty’s Secret Service* (1969).
- **Music**: Released several albums as a singer, including *Telly* (1974) and *Who Loves Ya, Baby?* (1976).
- **Directing**: Directed episodes of *Kojak* and other television projects.
- **Radio**: Worked as a radio personality, though specific programs are not detailed in the source material.
- **Poker**: Known as a skilled poker player, participating in professional games.

## FAQs
**What was Telly Savalas best known for?**
Telly Savalas was best known for his role as Detective Theo Kojak in the TV series *Kojak*, which earned him Emmy and Golden Globe awards.

**Where did Telly Savalas study?**
He attended Columbia University and later the Columbia University School of General Studies.

**What awards did Telly Savalas win?**
He won a **Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series** (1974) and a **Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama** (1975) for *Kojak*. He also received the **Ellis Island Medal of Honor** and a **star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame**.

**Did Telly Savalas have other careers besides acting?**
Yes, he was a singer, director, radio personality, and professional poker player.

**When did Telly Savalas start and end his career?**
His career spanned from **1959 to 1994**, the year of his death.

## Why They Matter
Telly Savalas left a lasting impact on American television and film, particularly through his portrayal of tough, charismatic characters. His role as Kojak redefined the police procedural genre, influencing future detective shows. Beyond acting, his work in music and poker showcased his versatility, while his awards and recognition solidified his place in entertainment history.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Role**: Detective Theo Kojak in *Kojak* (1973–1978)
- **Awards**:
  - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (1974)
  - Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama (1975)
  - Ellis Island Medal of Honor
  - Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- **Multifaceted Career**: Actor, singer, director, radio personality, and poker player
- **Education**: Columbia University and Columbia University School of General Studies
- **Work Period**: 1959–1994

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Telly Savalas was born in 1922 in the United States. He attended **Columbia University** and later the **Columbia University School of General Studies**, though specific degrees or majors are not detailed in the source material.

### Career in Entertainment
Savalas began his career in **1959** and quickly became a prominent figure in film and television. His breakthrough role was as **Detective Theo Kojak** in the hit series *Kojak* (1973–1978), which earned him widespread acclaim and multiple awards, including an **Emmy** and a **Golden Globe**.

Beyond *Kojak*, he appeared in notable films such as *The Dirty Dozen* (1967) and *On Her Majesty’s Secret Service* (1969). He also directed several episodes of *Kojak* and other television projects.

### Music and Other Ventures
In addition to acting, Savalas was a **singer**, releasing albums like *Telly* (1974) and *Who Loves Ya, Baby?* (1976). He also worked as a **radio personality** and was known for his skills as a **professional poker player**.

### Awards and Recognition
Savalas received numerous accolades, including:
- **Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series** (1974)
- **Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama** (1975)
- **Ellis Island Medal of Honor**
- **Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame**

### Legacy
Telly Savalas remains a cultural icon, particularly for his role in *Kojak*, which influenced the police procedural genre. His multifaceted career in acting, music, and poker, along with his awards, ensures his enduring legacy in American entertainment.

### Death
Savalas passed away in **1994**, marking the end of a prolific career that spanned over three decades.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. mymovies.it
4. www.acmi.net.au
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Find a Grave
8. filmportal.de
9. Nederlandse Top 40
10. Munzinger Personen
11. Social Security Death Index
12. Roglo
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. CONOR.SI
16. Autoritats UB
17. BBC Things
18. The Movie Database
19. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data