Who were the two main actors on Route 66?

The two main actors in the 1960 tv series Route 66 were George Maharis and Martin Milner. Maharis appeared in the popular tv series Route 66 as Buz Murdock, which also co-starred Martin Milner as Todd Stiles.

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.

Maharis 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.

The producers of the show retorted 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.”