Exploring the Legacy of George Maharis, Star of TV’s “Route 66” in the 1960s

George Maharis, Iconic Star of “Route 66,” Dies at 94

George Maharis, the stage-trained actor who became an icon to American youth in the 1960s through his portrayal of Buz Murdock on the hit television series “Route 66,” has died at the age of 94. His friend and caretaker, Marc Bahan, confirmed in a Facebook post that Maharis died at his home in Beverly Hills, California, on Wednesday after contracting hepatitis.

An Unforgettable Journey on the Mother Road

“Route 66” follows the adventures of Buz Murdock, a hardened survivor of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, and Tod Stiles, played by Martin Milner, a young man who went from wealth to poverty and received a shiny new Corvette from his father upon his demise. The two set out to explore the highway that author John Steinbeck famously dubbed “The Mother Road.” Each episode brought new adventures in a different city as the series embraced filming on location, which was a rarity at the time. The show had guest stars such as Alan Alda, James Caan, Robert Redford, and Robert Duvall as some of the earliest roles and used a poignant instrumental by Nelson Riddle as its theme song. “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66,” now a familiar tune, was not connected to the show.

The storied highway was once venerated as the driving force behind the country’s westward migration in the 20th century until it was replaced by bigger, faster interstates. The show wove Maharis and Milner into the fabric of a nation, and “Route 66” was said to have been inspired by Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.”

A Talented Star of the Screen and Stage

A native New Yorker and son of Greek immigrants, Maharis was one of seven children and grew up in Hell’s Kitchen, where his parents owned a successful restaurant. Despite the tempting prospect of joining his family business, Maharis knew he wanted more and set his sights on a career in entertainment. After a disappointing attempt at singing, he took up acting, training under Lee Strasberg and Sanford Meisner at the Actors Studio. Excelling in off-Broadway plays, Maharis received critical acclaim for his work in Edward Albee’s “Zoo Story” and made appearances on television drama “Naked City.”

He began his screen career with a small role in the 1960 film “Exodus” and later landed his coveted role in “Route 66.” He left the show after the third season and went on to star in films such as “Quick Before It Melts,” “The Satan Bug,” and “Land Raiders.” In 1970, he returned to regular television as a criminologist in “The Most Deadly Game,” but the show only lasted one season. Maharis continued to work in the film and television industry throughout the subsequent decades.

Editorial

The loss of George Maharis reminds us of the fleeting nature of fame and the longevity of great stories. His performances and the show’s imaginative storylines created an everlasting impact that was far-reaching and iconic in the culture of the time.

Maharis’s “Route 66” has become a classic example of the quintessential American road trip. In a sense, the show’s spirit foreshadowed a popular contemporary fascination with travel and exploration, particularly through televised travel-centric works. Traveling through and exploring America’s vast, open landscapes has always been quintessentially American, and “Route 66” was evidence of that. As important as it is to maintain the fascinating stories of American history, discovering the vast and diverse character of America’s highways and byways is an equally vital journey to be undertaken.

Advice

The legacy of “Route 66” is an inspiration to all those who dream of exploration. To immerse oneself in the sights, sounds, and smells of America’s backroads, as Maharis and Milner did, is a journey to be cherished. As the epicenter of the automobile culture, America’s highways are a must-see for anyone, offering characters, landscapes, and adventures that have defined the nation throughout history.