George Chakiris

George Chakiris (born September 16, 1934 in Norwood, Ohio) is a Greek-American dancer and film actor.

Related Topics:
September 16 - 1934 - Norwood, Ohio - Greek-American - Dancer - Film - Actor

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Chakiris made his film debut in 1947 and for several years he appeared in small roles, usually as a dancer or a member of the chorus in various musical films. He was one of the dancers in Marilyn Monroe's "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" number in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and also appeared as a dancer alongside Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas.

Related Topics:
Musical film - Marilyn Monroe - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Rosemary Clooney - White Christmas

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His biggest success came with the film West Side Story (1961), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Bernardo.

Related Topics:
West Side Story - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor

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Chakiris has also appeared on Broadway and television, and in the early 1960s embarked on a career as a pop singer which resulted in a couple of minor hit songs.

Related Topics:
Broadway - Television - Pop singer

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Chakiris last acted in a 1997 episode of the sitcom Last of the Summer Wine and has given occasional television interviews since then. These days he mostly retired, and spends his time making jewellery.

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