Anthony George was a popular American actor who starred in several TV shows and movies, but he is best known for his roles in daytime soap operas. He played Burke Devlin and Jeremiah Collins on Dark Shadows, Dr. Tony Vincente on Search for Tomorrow, and Dr. Will Vernon on One Life to Live. He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in Alibi in 1929, and he won a Golden Globe for his role in Checkmate in 1961. He was also a veteran of World War II and a recipient of a Bronze Star on the Sidewalk of Stars in Binghamton, New York. But his life ended tragically in 2005, when he died of complications from emphysema at the age of 84. How did this happen, and what impact did it have on his fans and colleagues? Here is a brief overview of Anthony George’s life and death.
Early Life and Career
Anthony George was born as Ottavio Gabriel George on January 29, 1921, in Endicott, New York, to Italian immigrant parents. He had a younger brother, Nick, who also became an actor. From the age of six, George dreamed of being in films, and he moved to Hollywood after serving in the army during World War II. He started his career in the late 1940s, appearing in minor roles in various films and TV shows. He got his first big break in 1929, when he was nominated for an Oscar for his role as Chick Williams, a gangster who tries to frame his girlfriend’s father for murder, in Alibi. He lost to Warner Baxter, who played the Cisco Kid in In Old Arizona.
Rise to Fame and Success
In the 1950s and 1960s, George became a household name, starring in several TV shows and movies. He played Cam Allison, a federal agent, in the first season of The Untouchables, alongside Robert Stack. He then played Don Corey, a private detective, in Checkmate, alongside Sebastian Cabot and Doug McClure. He won a Golden Globe for this role in 1961. He also appeared in Wagon Train, The Twilight Zone, Perry Mason, and The Fugitive, among others. He also had roles in films such as The Harder They Fall, The Last Frontier, and The Savage Eye.
But George’s most memorable roles were in daytime soap operas, which he started doing in the late 1960s. He replaced Mitchell Ryan as Burke Devlin, a wealthy businessman who had a past with the heroine Victoria Winters, on Dark Shadows, a Gothic horror soap opera created by Dan Curtis. He also played Jeremiah Collins, a cursed ancestor of the Collins family, on the same show. He then played Dr. Tony Vincente, a psychiatrist who had an affair with the heroine Joanne Gardner, on Search for Tomorrow, a long-running soap opera created by Roy Winsor. He also played Dr. Will Vernon, a doctor who was involved in a love triangle with the heroine Viki Lord and her husband Joe Riley, on One Life to Live, another soap opera created by Agnes Nixon.
Decline and Death
In the 1970s and 1980s, George’s career slowed down, and he appeared in fewer TV shows and movies. He had guest roles in The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, and The Love Boat, among others. He also had a small role in The Godfather Part III, as an assassin who tries to kill Michael Corleone. His last role was in 1993, when he played a judge in an episode of Matlock.
George’s health also deteriorated, as he suffered from emphysema, a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath and coughing. He was hospitalized several times, and he eventually moved to a nursing home in Newport Beach, California. He died of complications from emphysema on March 16, 2005, at the age of 84. He was survived by his brother, Nick, and his niece, Lisa. He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy and Impact
Anthony George was a versatile and talented actor who left a lasting impression on his fans and colleagues. He was praised for his charisma, charm, and professionalism, and he was respected for his dedication and passion for his craft. He was also a generous and kind person, who supported various charities and causes. He was especially fond of animals, and he owned several dogs and cats.
George’s death was mourned by many people who admired his work and his personality. His former co-stars and friends paid tribute to him, and remembered him as a wonderful and gentle man. His fans also expressed their sadness and gratitude, and celebrated his achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry. He was honored with a memorial service in Los Angeles, and his name was added to the In Memoriam segment of the Daytime Emmy Awards in 2005.
Anthony George was a star who shone brightly in the world of soap operas, and he will always be remembered for his iconic roles and his captivating performances. He was a legend who made history, and he will always be loved and missed by his fans and colleagues. He was a true gentleman, and a great actor. He was Anthony George.
