Christopher George (1929-1983)

biography

Born to Greek immigrant parents on February 25 1929, in Royal Oak, Michigan (some sources indicate 1931 as his year of birth), actor Christopher George grew up in New Jersey and Florida. Rather than completing high school, George enlisted in the Marines in the late 1940s, but while serving his tour of duty, he earned his high school diploma. Upon detaching from the Marines in 1952, George enrolled at the University of Miami, and he eventually graduated with a degree in business administration. However, he shunned working in the business world and instead headed for New York, where he began acting in off-Broadway productions and also found work as a print model and on television commercials. An uncredited role in the war film In Harm's Way (1965; with John Wayne and Kirk Douglas), along with a featured role during the first season of the ABC comedy Bewitchedserved as catalysts for George's acting career. In 1966, he was cast in several films, including The Gentle Rain (1966; with Lynda Day George and Fay Spain) and El Dorado (1966; with John Wayne and Robert Mitchum), and he also landed a starring role in the ABC series The Rat Patrol (1966-1968). After the series was canceled, George went back to films and starred in The Devil's 8 (1969; with Leslie Parrish and Ross Hagen), Project X (1968; directed by William Castle), and The Delta Factor (1970; with Yvette Mimieux and Yvonne DeCarlo.

Christopher George married film and television actress Lynda Day George in 1970. George adopted her son from her first marriage, and in July 1972, the couple welcomed a daughter. George maintained his film career into the 1970s, yet television increasingly became the medium in which he found work. He starred in another ABC series The Immortal, a short-lived 1970-1971 ABC TV series.

the films of christopher george

The Rat Patrol (1966-1968 ABC TV Series)

Project X (1968)

The Devil's 8 (1969)

The Thousand Plane Raid (1969)

Tiger by the Tail (1969)

The Delta Factor (1970)

The Immortal (1970-1971 ABC TV Series)

House on Greenapple Road (1970)

Mission: Impossible (1966-1973 CBS TV Series)

The Heist (1972)

Dixie Dynamite (1976)

City of the Living Dead (1980)

Pieces (1982)

later years

Near the end of his career, Christopher George starred in a string of horror films, including Day of the Animals (1977; with Leslie Nielsen and Lynda Day George), City of the Living Dead (1980), Graduation Day (1981; with Michael Pataki), and Mortuary (1983; with Bill Paxton and Lynda Day George), which proved to be George's last film. George had been injured when a Jeep overturned on the set of Rat Patrol in January 1967, which had left him with a weakened heart. And in 1978 he had coronary bypass surgery. Nonetheless, he appeared to be doing well and in good health, otherwise. Sadly, Christopher George passed away from a sudden heart attack on November 28, 1983, at the age of 54. He was survived by his wife, actress Lynda Day George, and their son and daughter. As a sidenote, Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White is the niece of Christopher George, and White had a small role with her uncle in Graduation Day.

christopher george films available from movies unlimited

TELEVISION
Bewitched: The Complete First Season [DVD](1964) DVD
All 36 episodes from the debut season-including "I, Darrin, Take This Witch, Samantha," "Mother Meets What's His Name," "It's Magic," "Which Witch Is Which?," and "Cousin Edgar"-have been collected in a four-disc set. 15 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; featurette. **36 episodes on 4 discs. 15 1/4 hrs.**
The Rat Patrol: The Complete Series [DVD] DVD
All 58 episodes of the series are included in a seven-disc set. **58 episodes on 7 discs. 24 1/2 hrs.**
The Rat Patrol: The Complete First Season [DVD](1966) DVD
All 32 episodes from the debut season-including "The Chase of Fire Raid," "The Moment of Truce Raid," the three-part "The Last Harbor Raid," "The Take Me to Your Leader Raid," and "The Delilah Raid"-are collected in a four-disc set. 13 1/2 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French. **32 episodes on 4 discs. 13 1/2 hrs.**
The Rat Patrol: The Complete Second Season [DVD](1967) DVD
All 26 episodes from the second and final season-including "The Truce at Aburah Raid," "The Darkest Raid," "The Street Urchins Raid," "The Boomerang Raid," and "The Kill at Koorlea Raid"-are collected in a three-disc set. 11 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish. **26 episodes on 3 discs. 11 hrs.**

FILMS
Chisum [DVD](1970) DVD
Sprawling sagebrush classic stars John Wayne as real-life cattle king John Chisum in this lively dramatization of New Mexico's 1878 Lincoln County War. When a greedy and powerful land developer who controls the territory's corrupt officials attempts to take away his land, he is forced to fight to keep his property. With Forrest Tucker, Christopher George, Linda Day. 112 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Japanese, Spanish; audio commentary; "making of" documentary; theatrical trailer.
Greatest Classic Films Collection: Westerns [DVD] DVD
Two-disc set includes "Ride the High Country," "The Stalking Moon," "Chisum," and "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid."
The Train Robbers [DVD](1972) DVD
John Wayne is a Civil War veteran who, along with buddies Rod Taylor and Ben Johnson, is hired by beautiful widow Ann-Margret to help track down a half million dollars in gold stolen by her husband. As the four of them hatch a plan to travel to Mexico to recover the loot and return it to the bank, they find themselves pursued by a band of outlaws and sinister lone gunman Ricardo Montalban. With Christopher George, Bobby Vinton. 92 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; featurettes.
Tall In The Saddle (1944)/The Train Robbers (1972) [DVD] DVD
"Tall in the Saddle" is an offbeat John Wayne western with the Duke playing a tough, woman-hating cowboy who reluctantly goes to work for an aging spinster and her attractive niece on their ranch. With Ella Raines, "Gabby" Hayes. And, Wayne is a Civil War veteran who, along with buddies Rod Taylor and Ben Johnson, is hired by beautiful widow Ann-Margret to help track down a half million dollars in gold stolen by her husband. As the four of them travel to Mexico to recover the loot and return it to the bank, they find themselves pursued by a band of outlaws and sinister lone gunman Ricardo Montalban. "The Train Robbers" also stars Christopher George, Bobby Vinton. 179 min. total. Standard/Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; featurttes; theatrical trailer.
John Wayne: Legendary Heroes Collection [DVD] DVD
Five-disc set includes "Tall in the Saddle," "The Sea Chase," "Blood Alley," "The Train Robbers," and "McQ."
Mayday At 40,000 Feet! [DVD](1976) DVD
In the spirit of "Airport" comes this riveting telefilm starring David Janssen as a 747 pilot whose craft has the misfortune of flying into a snowstorm. As if he didn't have enough to deal with, he must also contend with a gun-toting maniac aboard the plane. Can Janssen land the vehicle safely? With Don Meredith, Ray Milland, Broderick Crawford. 93 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Midway [DVD](1976) DVD
Spectacular World War II drama of the events leading to the courageous battle of the Pacific. Breathtaking war footage and superb special effects, with a stellar cast, including Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, Glenn Ford, and Robert Mitchum. 132 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; featurettes; additional scenes; documentary; photo gallery; theatrical trailer; biographies.
Dixie Dynamite [DVD](1976) DVD
When a Georgia moonshiner is killed by a corrupt town boss, his daughters take over the family business and set out to get some backwoods vengeance. Rip-roarin' action film stars Warren Oates, Christopher George, Jane Anne Johnstone. 88 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; theatrical trailers.
Grizzly [DVD](1976) DVD
The horror is unbearable, as a ferocious, 18-foot grizzly preys on the unsuspecting campers of a state park. A forest ranger and naturalist try to stop the bear, but can they halt the ursine slaughter? Christopher George, Richard Jaeckel, Andrew Prine star. 92 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital stereo, Spanish Dolby Digital stereo; audio commentary; "making of" documentary; featurettes; photo gallery; poster gallery; theatrical trailer; radio spots. Two-disc set.
Day Of The Animals (Widescreen Version) [DVD](1977) DVD
A group of hikers exploring the Sierra Mountains learns that it's not nice to mess with Mother Nature, as ozone depletion turns the area's birds and beasts into savage man-eaters. Christopher George, Linda Day George, Leslie Nielsen, and Richard Jaeckel star. This special video edition also includes an alternate version of the film (under the title "Something Is Out There"). 97 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; audio commentary; interviews; photo gallery; theatrical trailer. Two-disc set.
Evil Animals Triple Feature [DVD] DVD
Five-disc set includes "Grizzly," "Day of the Animals," and "Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell."
The Exterminator [DVD](1980) DVD
A 42nd Street favorite, this no-holds-barred actioner stars Robert Ginty as a troubled Vietnam veteran who has a "death wish" for the street scum of New York after one of his friends is crippled by a gang. Christopher George is the cop out to nab the vigilante; with Samantha Eggar, Steve James. Unrated director's cut; 103 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
Graduation Day [DVD](1981) DVD
"Pomp and Circumstance" gives way to "Bloody Hacks and Stabs," as a masked killer terrorizes the members of a high school track team. You'll be screaming "sis boom AAAHHH!" Christopher George, Michael Pataki, E.J. Peaker, and Linnea Quigley star; look quickly for Vanna White. 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
City Of The Living Dead [Blu-ray](1981)
Lucio Fulci's gory shocker tells of a priest in Dunwich whose suicide opens the doors of Hell, unleashing unspeakable terror with corpses taking over the world. Reporter Christopher George tries to stop the onslaught of horror. With Janet Agren, Katherine MacColl. AKA: "The Fear," "The Gates of Hell," "Twilight of the Dead." 93 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English (dubbed) Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH), French, Spanish; "making of" documentary; featurettes; poster gallery; photo gallery; radio spots; theatrical trailers. Dubbed in English.
City Of The Living Dead (Special Edition) [DVD](1981) DVD
Lucio Fulci's gory shocker tells of a priest in Dunwich whose suicide opens the doors of Hell, unleashing unspeakable terror with corpses taking over the world. Reporter Christopher George tries to stop the onslaught of horror. With Janet Agren, Katherine MacColl. AKA: "The Fear," "The Gates of Hell," "Twilight of the Dead." 93 min. Soundtrack: English (dubbed); "making of" documentary; radio spots; photo gallery; theatrical trailers. Dubbed in English.
Pieces [DVD](1982) DVD
What a chunk of terror! Remember "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"? The vrooooming of the chainsaw-the horror, the horror? Well, this one goes one step farther, into the realm of...of...AAHHH!! It's Gore City as a killer is on the loose, terrorizing a Boston college campus with a chainsaw in order to pay a gruesome tribute to his dead mother. Christopher George, Lynda Day George, Edmund Purdom star in this infamously sick flick. 85 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English, Spanish; interviews; photo gallery; more. Two-disc set.

christopher george dvds available from amazon.com

out-of-print christopher george vhs available from amazon.com

Please note: As of this writing, these titles are not available on DVD:

christopher george photos available

filmography

FILM
Mortuary (1983) with Mary Beth McDonough, David Wallace, Bill Paxton, and Lynda Day George
Pieces (1982) with Lynda Day George and Edmund Purdom
Angkor: Cambodia Express (1982) with Robert Walker Jr., Woody Strode, and Nancy Kwan
Enter the Ninja (1981) with Franco Nero and Susan George
Graduation Day (1981) with Michael Pataki, Linnea Quigley, and Vanna White
The Exterminator (1980) with Samantha Eggar and Robert Ginty
City of the Living Dead (1980) directed by Lucio Fulci
Cruise Into Terror (1978) with Dirk Benedict, John Forsythe, Lynda Day George, Lee Meriwether, Ray Milland, Hugh O'Brian, Stella Stevens, Marshall Thompson, and Roger E. Mosley
The Day Santa Claus Cried (1978)
Whiskey Mountain (1977) with Roberta Collins
Day of the Animals (1977) with Leslie Nielsen, Lynda Day George, Richard Jaeckel, Michael Ansara, Ruth Roman, Paul Mantee, and Andrew Stevens
Mayday at 40,000 Feet! (1976) with David Janssen, Don Meredith, Ray Milland, Marjoe Gortner, Broderick Crawford, Shani Wallis, and Jane Powell
Midway (1976) with Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Glenn Ford, Hal Holbrook, Robert Mitchum, Cliff Robertson, and Robert Wagner
Dixie Dynamite (1976) with Warren Oates and R. G. Armstrong
Grizzly (1976) with Andrew Prine and Richard Jaeckel
The Last Survivors (1975) with Martin Sheen, Diane Baker, Tom Bosley, Bruce Davison, and Anne Francis
The Inbreaker (1974) with Johnny Crawford
I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973) with Jim Brown, Richard Rust, and Jan Merlin
The Train Robbers (1973) with John Wayne, Ann-Margret, Rod Taylor, Ben Johnson, Bobby Vinton, and Ricardo Montalban
Pushing Up Daisies (1973) with Ross Hagen and Kelly Thordsen
The Heist (1972) with Elizabeth Ashley, Howard Duff, Norman Fell, Cliff Osmond, and Robert Mandan
Man on a String (1972) with William Schallert, Keith Carradine, Joel Grey, and Jack Warden
Dead Men Tell No Tales (1971) with Judy Carne, Patricia Barry, Richard Anderson, Kevin Hagen, and Mike Lookinland
Escape (1971) with William Windom, Marlyn Mason, Avery Schreiber, John Vernon, Gloria Grahame, William Schallert, and Huntz Hall
Chisum (1970) with John Wayne, Forrest Tucker, Ben Johnson, Glenn Corbett, Andrew Prine, Bruce Cabot, Patric Knowles, Richard Jaeckel, Lynda Day George, John Agar, and Robert Donner
The Delta Factor (1970) with Yvette Mimieux, Diane McBain, Ralph Taeger, Yvonne De Carlo, and Rhodes Reason
House on Greenapple Road (1970) with Janet Leigh, Julie Harris, Walter Pidgeon, Barry Sullivan, Keenan Wynn, Peter Mark Richman, William Windom, Lynda Day George, Edward Asner, and Eve Plumb
The Thousand Plane Raid (1969) with Laraine Stephens, Gavin MacLeod, Ben Murphy, and Bo Hopkins
The Devil's 8 (1969) with Fabian, Leslie Parrish, Ross Hagen, Lada Edmund Jr., and Ralph Meeker
Massacre Harbor (1968) with Claudine Longet and Gary Raymond
Project X (1968) with Monte Markham, Harold Gould, and Keye Luke
Tiger by the Tail (1968) with Tippi Hedren, Dean Jagger, Charo, Glenda Farrell, Lloyd Bochner, R.G. Armstrong, Alan Hale, Burt Mustin, and Dennis Patrick
Gavilan (1968)
El Dorado (1966) with John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, R.G. Armstrong, Edward Asner, Robert Donner, John Gabriel, Johnny Crawford, and Adam Roarke
The Gentle Rain (1966) with Lynda Day George and Fay Spain

TELEVISION SERIES
The Immortal, 1970-1971 ABC TV series. George portrayed Ben Richards
The Rat Patrol, 1966-1968 ABC TV series. George portrayed Sgt. Sam Troy

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
Fantasy Island, episode The Magic Camera/Mata Hari/Valerie, originally aired January 16, 1982
Fantasy Island, episode The Love Doctor/Pleasure Palace/Possessed, originally aired November 22, 1980
The Love Boat, episode Cindy/Play by Play/What's a Brother For?, originally aired October 27, 1979
Lobo, episode The Day That Shark Ate Lobo, originally aired September 18, 1979
Charlie's Angels, episode Terror on Skis, originally aired February 7, 1979
The Love Boat, episode Disco Baby/Alas, Poor Dwyer/After the War/Ticket to Ride/Itsy Bitsy: Parts 1 and 2, originally aired February 3, 1979
Vega$, episode Serve, Volley and Kill, originally aired December 20, 1978
Fantasy Island, episode The War Games/Queen of the Boston Bruisers, originally aired October 28, 1978
The Love Boat, episode The Business of Love/Crash Diet Crisis/I'll Never Fall in Love Again, originally aired May 13, 1978
Fantasy Island, episode Lady of the Evening/The Racer, originally aired February 25, 1978
The New Adventures of Wonder Woman, episode Fausta, the Nazi Wonder Woman, originally aired April 28, 1976
S.W.A.T., episode Deadly Tide: Parts 1 and 2, originally aired September 13, 1975
S.W.A.T., episode The Bravo Enigma, originally aired April 21, 1975
McCloud, episode Sharks!, originally aired February 23, 1975
Police Story, episode The Execution, originally aired February 18, 1975
Thriller, episode The Next Scream You Hear, originally aired July 6, 1974
Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law, episode The Break In, originally aired March 2, 1974
Police Story, episode Cop in the Middle, originally aired January 29, 1974
Wide World Mystery, episode A Beautiful Killing, originally aired January 22, 1974
Love, American Style, episode Love and the Baby Derby/Love and the Burglar Joke/Love and the Favorite Family, originally aired February 16, 1973
Mission: Impossible, episode Nerves, originally aired December 4, 1971
Love, American Style, episode Love and Formula 26B/Love and the Loud Mouth/Love and the Penal Code, originally aired September 17, 1971
The F.B.I., episode Return to Power, originally aired February 15, 1970
Thirteen Against Fate, episode The Lodger, originally aired June 19, 1966
Bewitched, episode George the Warlock, originally aired April 22, 1965