Telly Savalas Trivia Quiz

Answer: Garden City

Telly Savalas was born in January 1922 in Garden City, Long Island, New York. Savalas' parents were Greek-Americans, and Aristotelis (Telly) was the second oldest of five children. Garden City is a village in central Nassau County, Long Island, located about twenty miles east of midtown Manhattan. Garden City was founded in 1869, and Adelphi University moved to Garden City from Brooklyn, NY, in 1929. Valley Stream, Lynbrook, and Oceanside are located on the South Shore of Long Island.

Answer: The Twilight Zone

In November 1963, Telly Savalas appeared on an episode of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone" series. Savalas played the role of Erich Streator, the stepfather of a little girl named Christie. In this episode, Christie owned a toy doll named Talky Tina.

This doll hated Erich and threatened to kill him; only Erich Streator was able to hear this creepy doll's threats. "The Twilight Zone", introduced by host Rod Serling, aired on American television from 1959 to 1964. "The Outer Limits" (1963 to 1965) was a seies which appeared on American television; it was narrated by Vic Perrin. "Combat!" was a World War II American television series which aired from 1962 to 1967. "The Fugitive" aired from 1963 to 1967 on American television.

Answer: Birdman of Alcatraz

Telly Savalas received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the 1962 film "Birdman of Alcatraz". Veteran actor Burt Lancaster was the film's star; he also received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Robert Stroud. Lancaster and Savalas became good friends and worked in several projects together, including "The Young Savages" (1961) and "The Scalphunters" (1968).

In 1962, Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne starred in a Western called "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance".

Answer: Columbia

Telly Savalas graduated from high school in 1940 and subsequently enrolled in New York City's Columbia University. This college, nicknamed the Lions, is considered an Ivy League school. Savalas took courses in such subjects as psychology, English, and radio. Savalas also worked for the U.S. State Department as a radio host during World War II. NYU is known as the Violets, St. John's University's nickname is the Red Storm, and Manhattan College is known as the Jaspers.

Answer: Maggott

Telly Savalas portrayed an inmate named Archer Maggott in the popular 1967 World War II action film "The Dirty Dozen". Lee Marvin starred in the movie as Major Reisman, an officer who was responsible for training twelve prisoners, in order to launch a suicide mission behind enemy lines. Maggott was a sadistic, Bible-quoting man, who had a penchant for murdering beautiful ladies.

In the final scenes of the movie, Maggott was killed by fellow inmate Jefferson (Jim Brown) for sabotaging the mission. Franko (John Cassavetes) and Wladislaw (Charles Bronson) were also inmates in this "dirty dozen."

Answer: On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Telly Savalas played the role of Ernst Blofeld in the 1969 James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". Savalas' character was involved in an evil plot to destroy the world's agricultural supply. Australian actor George Lazenby starred in this film, replacing the popular Sean Connery as Agent 007.

The movie "Thunderball" appeared in 1965, "You Only Live Twice" was released in 1967, and "Diamonds Are Forever" came out in 1971.

Answer: Theo

Telly Savalas became an international superstar as the result of his portrayal of Theodore (Theo) Kojak, a detective in the New York City Police Department. Theo Kojak solved crimes in the Manhattan South district of New York City. This show aired on CBS television from 1973 to 1978. Stavros was a police officer in Kojak's unit.

Answer: "Who loves ya, baby?"

Lt. Kojak had to constantly persuade other people to help him, as he investigated various types of crimes in New York. The lieutenant's pet phrase was, "Who loves ya, baby?" Telly Savalas poured his heart and soul into the role of Kojak, and this pet phrase will forever be associated with Savalas. Crocker (Kevin Dobson) was a detective in Kojak's unit. Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord) was fond of saying, "Book 'em, Dano!" on the American television show "Hawaii Five-O".

Answer: Poker

Telly Savalas had many pastimes throughout his celebrity life: horse racing, golf, swimming, and gambling. Savalas reportedly had special talent in the card game of poker. His college degree in psychology undoubtedly helped him in this game of bluffing; Savalas qualified for the 1992 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, and he finished among the top 25 players in the tournament.

Answer: Los Angeles

Unfortunately, Telly Savalas succumbed to cancer in 1994. Savalas lived in Southern California throughout most of his celebrity years; thus, he was laid to rest in Los Angeles' Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. Many other noted celebrities have been buried in this cemetery: Ed McMahon, John Ritter, and Steve Allen, to name just a few.

The following quote is inscribed on Savalas' headstone: "The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways- I to die and you to live. Which is better God only knows."