Anthony George

Anthony George (born Ottavio Gabriel George on January 29, 1921 in Endicott, New York) was an American actor whose career spanned the golden age of television and the rise of daytime soap operas. The second son of Italian immigrants, George dreamed of the silver screen from the age of six, a ambition that survived his service in World War II and propelled him to Hollywood after the war. His first credited screen appearance came in 1950, and over the next four decades he became a reliable character actor, frequently cast in Westerns, anthology series, and crime dramas. Early roles included a Native American guide on The Joseph Cotten Show: On Trial (1956) and guest spots on Crossroads and Brave Eagle, showcasing his versatility in period pieces. In 1959 George joined the cast of The Untouchables as federal agent Cam Allison, appearing in twelve episodes before landing the starring role of Don Corey on the detective series Checkmate, which cemented his reputation as a leading man in the early 1960s. His most enduring legacy, however, rests with his work in daytime television. In 1967 he succeeded Mitchell Ryan as the brooding Burke Devlin on the cult classic Dark Shadows, later portraying Jeremiah Collins in a flashback storyline that highlighted his talent for complex, emotionally charged characters. The actor continued to dominate the soap‑opera landscape as Dr. Tony Vincente on Search for Tomorrow (1970–1975) and Dr. Will Vernon on One Life to Live until 1984. Even after his regular soap‑opera contracts ended, George remained active, appearing in episodes of Simon & Simon and other series into the late 1980s. He died of complications from emphysema on March 16, 2005 in Newport Beach, California, leaving behind a body of work that reflects the evolution of American television from its anthology roots to the serialized dramas that dominate the medium today. His longtime partner, actor Earl Holliman, announced his death, underscoring a personal life kept largely private.