An American dancer, singer and actor of Greek descent, George Chakiris rose to worldwide fame with his electrifying Bernardo in the film version of 'West Side Story' (1961), a role for which he won the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. He had earlier appeared uncredited as a dancer in musicals such as 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', 'White Christmas' and 'Brigadoon'. After that triumph he starred in less fortunate titles such as 'Diamond Head' and 'Kings of the Sun', and shone on stage in the touring production of Stephen Sondheim's 'Company'. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he appeared as a guest star in series such as 'Dallas'. His physical magnetism and his command of dance defined a figure forever tied to the musical of his era.
George Chakiris
Oscar winner · Actor · Since 1961
94 years (Sep 16, 1932)Norwood, USANorwood, Ohio, USA
32 Movies · 13 Series
An American dancer, singer and actor of Greek descent, George Chakiris rose to worldwide fame with his electrifying Bernardo in the film version of 'West Side Story' (1961), a role for which he won the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. He had earlier appeared uncredited as a dancer in musicals such as 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes', 'White Christmas' and 'Brigadoon'. After that triumph he starred in less fortunate titles such as 'Diamond Head' and 'Kings of the Sun', and shone on stage in the touring production of Stephen Sondheim's 'Company'. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he appeared as a guest star in series such as 'Dallas'. His physical magnetism and his command of dance defined a figure forever tied to the musical of his era.
George Chakiris (born September 16, 1932) is an American dancer, singer and actor. He is best known for his role as Bernardo in the 1961 film version of West Side Story, which earned him an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. Prior to West Side Story, Chakiris appeared uncredited in many musicals such as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), White Christmas (1954), and Brigadoon (1954) as a dancer or chorus member. After West Side Story, he had starring roles in several lesser-known critical and commercial failures such as Diamond Head (1962), Kings of the Sun (1963), and The High Bright Sun (1965). On stage, his most notable role was as Bobby in the first national tour of Stephen Sondheim's Company. He had guest roles in many television series throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including appearances on Dallas, Superboy, and the series finale of The Patridge Family. Chakiris emerged from retirement to act in the film Not to Forget (2021), which aims to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease.