George Maharis passed away on May 24 at the age of 94. The actor received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Buz Murdock in the CBS drama series “Route 66,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy.
Maharis was diagnosed with hepatitis during the third season’s production in 1962 and spent a month in the hospital. He was unable to continue as a result.
He ultimately made a comeback to the show, but left once more when he experienced a relapse. Maharis shared this information in a 2007 interview with Route 66 News: “The doctor said, ‘If you don’t get out immediately, you’re either going to be dead, or you’re going to have chronic liver damage.’” Maharis elaborated on his challenging sickness, stating that it took him about three years to heal and resume working.
Fans paid their respects to Maharis on Twitter after learning of his passing. “Oh, very sad,” one user commented. “On Route 66, I loved him. I eagerly anticipated Friday nights to watch it. I always admired his work on TV and in movies, and I met him more than 30 years ago,” a fan said. “When I worked at Equity, we frequently spoke on the phone, and when I retired in 2019, he sent me a card with a really sweet note he promised to save.” Maharis had health issues, but he nevertheless had a successful acting career.
George Maharis was a talented performer who made appearances in numerous stage musicals, television programs, and motion pictures.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the celebrity appeared in movies including “Sylvia,” “A Covenant With Death,” “The Satan Bug,” and “The Happening” in the middle to late 1960s.
According to the New York Post, one of his final roles was in the 1993 thriller “Doppelganger,” which starred Drew Barrymore in the title role. Maharis had a successful television career, landing a number of roles, including one on the ABC show “Fantasy Island.”
He made a name for himself in the music business as well, with his song “Teach Me Tonight” reaching No. 25 on the Billboard charts. Maharis became the second actor in history to perform a naked photo shoot for Playgirl magazine in 1973.
Maharis is remembered by his loved ones as a talented performer and adored person. Maharis’ friend and caretaker Marc Bahan posted tributes to the late actor on Facebook.
“George is highly recognized for his fame on Route 66, theatrical plays, singing, and painting, but most of all, he is a lovely guy who would do anything for anyone,” the Marc stated. “You will be terribly missed, dear buddy.”
