Enjoyed watching "Jeopardy!" (1984).

Met his first wife (Katherine) at a Greek dance while attending Columbia University.

Met his last wife, Julie Hovland, on the set of "Kojak" (1973) while he was traveling with her to Minnesota in 1977.

Hosted a popular radio program, "Telly's Coffeehouse," in the early 1950s.

The character design for villain Lex Luthor in the animated TV series "Superman" (1996) was loosely based on Savalas.

Was a member of Company C, 12th Medical Training Battalion, 4th Medical Training Regiment at Camp Pickett, Virginia.

On January 21 1994, he celebrated his 72nd and last birthday with his family, friends and colleagues at the Universal Sheraton Inn in Universal City, California, 1 day before his death.

Has the distinction of playing two Alcatraz prison inmates; Feto Gomez in Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) and Cretzer in Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980) (TV).

Graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, New York, in 1942.

Was the first choice for the role of Harry Orwell in the TV series "Harry O" (1973). He declined due to filming commitments in Europe. David Janssen was eventually cast in the role.

Was involved in a serious car accident in Virginia during his hitch in the army.

He was also a strong contributor to his Greek Orthodox roots through the Saint Sophia and Saint Nicholas cathedrals in Los Angeles, and was the sponsor of bringing electricity in the '70s to his ancestral home, Yeraka, Greece.

Early in his career he played mainly brutish criminals until he changed his image completely in the 1970s, when he was cast as a homicide detective in the acclaimed TV-movie The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) (TV) and its spin-off series, "Kojak" (1973).

Would always refuse to talk about his service during World War II.

He was an accomplished poker player.

Did the narration on several tourist information films on British Cities during the 1970s. Apparently he recorded them all during one visit to the UK to promote his Kojak show.

Early in his career, he directed stage plays at a theater in Connecticut.

In 1990 the city of New York declared The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) (TV) as the official movie of New York City, and awarded Telly with the Key to the City. The film was the one that introduced Savalas' most famous character, Lt. Theo Kojak, later made famous on its spin-off series "Kojak" (1973).

Underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer in 1989, but in 1991 was diagnosed with bladder cancer which spread to his bones and pancreas.

Godfather of Jennifer Aniston

He didn't appear in his first film until he was 37.

Born on the same day as Benny Hill, who impersonated Savalas's "Kojak" (1973) character on "The Benny Hill Show" (1969).

Loved to read historical biographies and, somewhat surprisingly, romance novels.

Uncle of Australian-born actor Peter Cavnoudias.

After portraying Pontius Pilate in The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), he chose to remain completely bald and this signature look, somewhere between the comic and the ominous, stood him in good stead in the years that followed.

His mother, Christina, was a world recognized contemporary of Pablo Picasso, and Savalas himself released several records, the most remembered being his version of "If", that was #1 in Europe for 10 weeks in 1975.

Owned a wide variety of luxury vehicles, including Cadillacs, Lincolns, Fords, Pontiacs, Mercedes and DeLoreans.

Loved gambling and was a very successful gambler, winning many Vegas poker tournaments and losing few.

Had a fear of flying. Ironically, he played a pilot in Capricorn One (1978).

Former stepfather of Nicollette Sheridan. (Sheridan`s mother is Sally Adams.).

Spoke Greek fluently

Reason why he sucked on a lollipop during "Kojak" (1973): to help him to quit smoking.

Left index finger was deformed.

When he worked as a lifeguard, he failed to save a man from drowning, and was troubled by the memory forever after.

Attended Columbia University in New York, New York.

Interred at the George Washington Section of Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Purchased a house in the Southern California desert community of Palm Desert because he enjoyed playing golf so much.

He had many hobbies including golfing, swimming, gambling, collecting luxury cars, spending time with his family, horse racing, motorcycle racing, watching football and reading romantic books.

Was the second of 5 children.

Before becoming an actor, he had many odd jobs, from newspaper vendor to lifeguard.

His son Nick Savalas`s half-sister, Nicollette Sheridan, and his former "Kojak" (1973) co-star, Kevin Dobson, both starred in the popular 1980s soap opera, "Knots Landing" (1979).

Was originally slated to play Luke in Cool Hand Luke (1967), but the producers were unable to wait for him to complete his boat trip from Europe to the U.S. Therefore, Paul Newman played the role instead.

Father of Christina Savalas (with Katherine Nicolaides); Candace Savalas and Penelope Savalas (with Marilyn Gardner); Nick Savalas (with Sally Adams); and Christian Savalas and Ariana Savalas (with Julie Hovland).

His brother, George Savalas, starred in "Kojak" (1973) with him.

Best remembered by the public for his starring role in "Kojak" (1973).

Was good friends with Burt Lancaster, Angie Dickinson, Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra and Shelley Winters.

He used off-script phrases and mottoes in Greek during filming.

Godfather of actress Jennifer Aniston.