I first took note of George Chakiris as a 7 year old watching the movie version of West Side Story, which I found enthralling. I think my parents must have thought it odd that his character- Bernardo was the one I was fixated on. Chakiris won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role. Before his breakout role, he had appeared in many small roles as a dancer in films including: one of Marilyn Monroe’s escorts in her Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend number & along Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas. He can be spotted in the “Chop Suey” production number in Flower Drum Song.
I saw him in the National Tour of Company in 1971 with the rest of the original cast. He was the 3rd actor to play Bobby after Dean Jones & Larry Kurt.. My little 17 year old musical comedy queen self was over the moon with his performance, his singing voice, & his good looks, complete with an award winning “package”. Chakiris has appeared in many stage roles in the US & in London & as guest star on several TV series including Murder She Wrote & Dallas. He is now retired & concentrates his artistic expression on jewelry making.
_01.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment