George Maharis Death: How did George Maharis die?

Route 66 actor, George Maharis died after a prolonged battle with hepatitis. He died on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at age 94. His sickness first started when he was in the Route 66 series.

He once shared that he left the series for health reasons, which was largely due to long hours and grueling conditions while shooting on location.

“I have to protect my future. I keep going at the present pace, I’m a fool. Even if you have $4 million in the bank, you can’t buy another life,” he said in an interview in 1963.

However, producers of the show also argued that Maharis’ excuse was invalid and that he broke his contract because he wanted to shoot other movies. And also the producers, “felt betrayed and duped when they learned of Maharis’ sexual orientation, and never trusted him again.”

They added that “in a less homophobic era, they might have communicated better, and worked things out.” His departure saw a decline in the show’s appeal.