American actor, George Maharis has been reported dead. He reportedly had an estimated net worth of around $2 million. Considering that he was in the movie industry for quite a good number of years, it is understandable that he was able to rake in such good wealth over the years.
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Maharis appeared in the popular tv series Route 66 in 1960 as Buz Murdock, which also co-starred Martin Milner. When Maharis starred in the series, he was 32, even though the character he was playing was aged 23. His outstanding performance got him nominated for an Emmy award in 1962.
Unfortunately, he left the series when season three was almost over. He left because he had health-related problems including hepatitis.
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Maharis once shared that he left Route 66 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.
Maharis studied at the Actors Studio and appeared in off-Broadway productions of Jean Genet’s Deathwatch. He also appeared on Studio One, Kraft Television Theatre, Goodyear Television Playhouse, Naked City, Search for Tomorrow, and more, during the early stage of his career.
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