Aristotelis "Telly" Savalas (January 21, 1922–January 22, 1994) was an actor best known for his title role in the 1970s Kojak TV series. He earned an Emmy Award for his part in the show. He also had a successful movie career earning an Academy Award nomination for Birdman of Alcatraz in 1962.
Early Life and Career
As the second of five children born to Greek immigrants Nick and Christina Savalas, Telly Savalas sold newspapers and shined shoes along with his brother Gus to help support the family. When first entering elementary school, Telly only spoke Greek, but he soon learned English. He graduated from high school in Floral Park, New York in 1940.
