It’s been nineteen months since the tragic death of heartthrob actor George Maharis on May 24, 2023. Maharis, best known for his role as Buz Murdock on classic TV’s legendary series, Route 66 (ABC, 1960-1963), died in Beverly Hills, CA, at 94 from hepatitis. He lived a long life, but it was a secret, albeit open-secret life. The beloved actor was gay, and while many in Hollywood knew that truth, and while the general public heard the rumors, Maharis never fully acknowledged his sexuality until later in life. This is his story.
A Closer Look
Like many actors of his era, George Maharis, who was born September 1, 1928, in Astoria, New York, struggled with revealing his sexuality, fearing doing so would be detrimental to his career.
However, even though Maharis was arrested twice for having sex with men in restrooms (in 1967 and 1974), he still somehow managed to work until as late as 1993.
Before 66
Just before his breakthrough casting on Route 66, George Maharis portrayed Bud Gardner, Janet Collins’ ill-fated first husband on the iconic daytime drama, Search for Tomorrow.