Who was George Maharis? Star of ‘Route 66’ Dead at 94

George Maharis who was a star of the 1960s tv series, Route 66, has been reported dead. He died after a long battle with hepatitis. He died on May 24, 2023, at age 94.

He 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.

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.