Purchased a house in the Southern California desert community of Palm Desert because he enjoyed playing golf so much.
Reason why he sucked on a lollipop during "Kojak" (1973): to help him to quit smoking.
Remained good friends with Kevin Dobson during and after "Kojak" (1973).
Spoke Greek fluently
Uncle of Australian-born actor Peter Cavnoudias.
Underwent successful surgery for prostate cancer in 1989, but in 1991 was diagnosed with bladder cancer which spread to his bones and pancreas.
Was a member of Company C, 12th Medical Training Battalion, 4th Medical Training Regiment at Camp Pickett, Virginia.
Was a spokesperson for the Players' Club Gold Card from 1981 to 1990.
Was also best friends with actors Karl Malden and John Aniston. (who served as godfather to John's daughter actress Jennifer Aniston).
Was good friends with producer/director Irwin Allen, appearing in his Beyond the Poseidon Adventure (1979), and Alice in Wonderland (1985) (TV).
Was good friends with: Ernest Borgnine, Burt Lancaster, Angie Dickinson, Don Rickles, Frank Sinatra, Michael Constantine and Shelley Winters.
Was involved in a serious car accident in Virginia during his hitch in the army.
Was originally slated to play Luke in Cool Hand Luke (1967), but the producers were unable to wait for him to complete his boat trip from Europe to the U.S. (Telly had a severe fear of flying). Therefore, 'Paul Newman (I)' played the role instead.
Was raised nearby the same city as Brian Keith.
Was the first choice for the role of Harry Orwell in the TV series "Harry O" (1973). He declined due to filming commitments in Europe. David Janssen was eventually cast in the role.
Was the second of 5 children.
When he worked as a lifeguard, he failed to save a man from drowning, and was troubled by the memory forever after.
Worked at the Garden City Theatre Center where he met and fell in love with Marilyn Gardner.
Would always refuse to talk about his service during World War II.