What happened to George Maharis the actor?

American actor, George Maharis has been reported dead. According to sources, he died on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, after suffering from complications of hepatitis. He was 94.

He first announced his health issues in the 1960s when he was still in the Route 66 series, and that was largely why he quit the show.

“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.