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George Chakiris: West Side Story
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Born in Ohio to Greek parents, George Chakiris made his first film appearance as an adolescent chorus singer in "Song of Love" (1947), the filmed biography of Robert and Clara Schumann. After receiving training as a dancer, Chakiris was given a few unbilled solo spots in such film musicals as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (1953) and "White Christmas" (1954). His roles increased in size after he became a dramatic actor in the late 1950s. Chakiris went on to win an Academy Award for his singing/dancing/acting portrayal of Puerto Rican gang leader Bernardo in "West Side Story" (1961), after which his starring career went into an unexpected eclipse.
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Yul Brenner (The Ten Commandments) and George Chakiris (West Side Story) shine as the kings of two clashing cultures forced to form an alliance against a mutual threat in this gripping historical saga. Packed with intense action and thrilling drama, Kings of the Sun is “a breath-taker” (Greater Amusements)! After a terrible battle leaves young Balam (Chakiris) king of his Mayan tribe, he leads his people out of
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Sometimes credited as George Kerris in his early work, Chakiris began his movie career as a chorus boy in such films as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), White Christmas (1954), and Brigadoon (1954). In 1958 he went to New York City to seek work on Broadway. He was later hired for the London stage production of West Side Story, in which he played the part of Jets gang leader Riff for nearly two years. When the film was cast... the darkly handsome Chakiris was given the role of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks and the counterpart to his stage character. Playing opposite Rita Moreno (AA), Chakiris electrified the screen with his acting, singing, and dancing, and his performance in West Side Story remains the highlight of his career. Chakiris also won a Golden Globe Award for the role.
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[E]veryone discovered George Chakiris in "West Side Story" in which he received the academy award for Best Supporting Actor. Rita Moreno says of George, "There are only two elegant dancers I can think of, Fred Astair and George."
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The story has Russ Tamblyn in the role of Alan, as he becomes involved with a rock singer and pursues the long thought dead rock star, Shane with the aid of a Puerto Rican born gangster played by George Chakiris. This is the first teaming of Tamblyn and Chakiris since the two fought each other under the freeway in "West Side Story".
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Chakiris, who said he hasn't seen the special edition West Side Story DVD, said he still takes dance classes, stays fit and trim and reads an occasional script. Currently, his main interest lies in making sterling silver jewelry, which started as a hobby.
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