More known for his skin complexion than his acting roles, George Hamilton, has been appearing in films and on television since the 1950s. Born in 1939, son of big bandleader and woman about town, Anne Devreaux. After she caught her husband cheating, Anne took off with George and his older brother in order to find them a better life. After trying to start a career as a writer in New York, George discovers his chosen path as an actor starting with small television roles he soon worked his way into film. He won much acclaim for one of his first big screen roles in Where The Boys Are, winning a Golden Globe for best newcomer.
Hamilton never received overly widespread attention on the big screen despite a promising start. Still continuing to do the odd bit of TV work such as the short-lived mini-series Survivors and as a Bogart-esque hero in Paris 7000, Hamilton secured a role in the hit mini-series Roots with a massive ensemble cast. He also starred in two biopics, one of Hank Williams in Your Cheatin’ Heart and the other of Evil Kneivel, where his performances were widely acclaimed. Hamilton also appeared in the cult 1978 Mae West picture, Sextette, as one of Mae West’s character’s ex-husbands. His big movie break came in the form of Love At First Bite, a surprise hit where he played the old-fashioned Count Dracula moving to New York, which made a hefty $45 million. This was followed with the slightly less popular, yet still very entertaining Zorro, The Gay Blade.
Many argue Hamilton’s career reached a high point in 1985 with his guest role in Dynasty, where he played a corrupt out-of-luck filmmaker who decides to kidnap Krystal Carrington and exploit money out of the family. Several guest roles in TV Movies such as Hart to Hart: Till Death Do Us Part and Columbo: Murder Can Be Hazardous To Your Health, as well as others followed. Hamilton even featured in The Godfather III, in quite a small role. Hamilton continues to act, but is mostly just a bit of a TV personality now – starring recently in the hit UK version of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, where he was regarded as one of the best contestants. And also in the US Dancing With The Stars.
Top Three George Hamilton Performances
1. Love At First Bite
Hamilton gives an over the top and highly entertaining performance as Count Dracula. The Count has never been so tanned before!
2. Zorro, The Gay Blade
Some said the film was offensive for its stereotypes, but it’s pure harmless entertainment. His performance as Bunny Wigglesworth really needs to be seen to be believed.
3. Dynasty (1985-86)
Perhaps the series best villain. This is one of Dynasty’s most unbelievable and extravagant stories, not to be missed by any soap fan.
