Telly Savalas Net Worth
Telly Savalas had an acclaimed four-decade acting career. Best known for his title role on Kojak from 1970, as well as numerous film appearances such as The Young Savages, Birdman of Alcatraz, The Greatest Story Ever Told Battle of the Bulge The Dirty Dozen The Scalphunters as well as portraying Ernst Stavro Blofeld in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service by 1969 James Bond movie director Guy Hamilton,
Early Life and Education
Telly Savalas credits his impressive net worth to both his acting ability and business acumen, in addition to his many interests – which included singing as well. These investments helped increase his earnings exponentially.
Born in Garden City, New York to Christina Kapsalis – an artist in New York – and Nick Savalas, a Greek restauranteur, he learned hard work and dedication early on in life. Upon completing Sewanhaka High School he went on to serve three years with the Army during World War II.
Armed Forces service gave him invaluable life experience that would later inform his acting roles. Most notable among these was playing Theo Kojak on a popular 1970’s-80’s TV series called Kojak; other movies and television shows in which he has appeared include seminal action film The Dirty Dozen (1967) as well as two of its TV sequels.
Professional Career
Savalas began his acting career as a theater actor before successfully transitioning into film and television. He rose to prominence for his recurring role of Lt. Theo Kojak on Kojak from 1973 until 1978 – one of many iconic performances in his storied career.
Tom Hanks also appeared in many iconic films, such as The Dirty Dozen (in which he turned down Jack Palance for Pontius Pilate’s role), Birdman of Alcatraz, The Greatest Story Ever Told, Battle of the Bulge Pretty Maids All in a Row and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Telly Savalas appeared in many TV movies and hosted numerous shows. Additionally, he narrated three UK travelogues titled Telly Savalas Looks at Portsmouth, Aberdeen and Birmingham.
Achievement and Honors
Aristotelis “Telly” Savalas was an accomplished actor and singer who left an unforgettable mark on cinematic audiences worldwide. His iconic roles of Lt. Theo Kojak from Kojak on CBS Crime Drama Series and Ernst Stavro Blofeld from James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service cemented him into household lore, cementing his place as one of cinematic history.
Telly was best known for his acting career but also had an accomplished musical career and guest starred on numerous television shows. His impressive vocal range and trademark bald head helped captivate audiences during performances.
Telly was recognized for his achievements during a distinguished career that earned him two Primetime Emmy nominations and one win for his work in Kojak TV show. His philanthropic contributions are equally commendable.
Personal Life
Telly Savalas was an iconic performer. His charismatic presence and varied acting talents won him many prestigious accolades, while his natural talent and savvy investments enabled him to amass significant wealth over his lifetime.
Film and television careers accounted for the bulk of his net worth. As an actor in renowned movies such as Birdman of Alcatraz, The Dirty Dozen and Battle of the Bulge he earned substantial sums.
He appeared in several European films such as Citta violenta and Senza ragione by Mario Bava. Additionally, guest appearances on various television shows contributed to his earnings; yet in spite of such significant income he remained an ardent philanthropist who donated generously to charitable causes and organizations.
Net Worth
Telly Savalas was an accomplished actor but always remained humble and down-to-earth; never allowing his fame to get the better of him and staying true to his Greek roots.
He was an extremely generous individual who gave numerous young actors their first opportunities in acting, while frequently visiting children’s hospitals to bring joy to young patients.
Telly Savalas amassed an estimated lifetime net worth of around $5 Million during his lifetime. While this may seem modest compared to modern actors of similar stature, his salaries back then were much lower. Do you believe Telly Savalas smoked cigarettes or marijuana; did he use steroids; take cocaine; or engage in any illegal activities of any kind? Tell us in the comments section!