- Early in his career, Savalas played mainly brutish criminals until he changed his image completely in the 1970's when he was cast as the righteous police detective Kojak.
- He used off-script phrases and mottos in greek during filming.
- He had a half-son named Nicholas and half-daughter Nicollette Sheridan Nicollette Sheridan and Kojak star Kevin Dobson had both appeared in KNOTS LANDING (1979) Godfather of Jennifer Aniston-Pitt
- He was the Godfather of Jennifer Aniston
- Was originally cast as Luke in COOL HAND LUKE (1967), but was in Europe and refused to fly. Not able to wait for a boat journey, the producers cast Paul Newman, instead.
- Was nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1963 for BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ.
- Sometimes Credited As: Telly Aristoteles Savalas
- His brother, George, starred in KOJAK with him.
- Had a fear of flying.
- Early in his career, he directed stage plays at a theater in Connecticut.
- Was an accomplished poker player.
- Nominated for Best TV Actor - Drama at Golden Globe Awards for Kojak (1978)
- Nominated for Best TV Actor - Drama at Golden Globe Awards for Kojak (1977)
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actor at Golden Globe Awards for BATTLE OF THE BULGE (1966)
Quotes- "We're all born bald, baby."
Awards- TP de Oro, Spain: Best Foreign Actor, Kojak (1976)
- Golden Globe Awards: Best TV Actor - Drama, Kojak (1976)
- Golden Globe Awards: Best TV Actor - Drama, Kojak (1975)
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