Many people know him as Telly Savalas, the tough and charismatic actor who played the iconic role of Kojak in the popular 1970s TV series. But what was Telly Savalas's real first name?

Believe it or not, Telly Savalas was actually born as Aristotelis Savalas on January 21, 1922 in Garden City, New York. His parents were Greek immigrants, and he was raised in a traditional Greek household. He later anglicized his name to Telly when he began his acting career, a nickname given to him by his friends.

Throughout his career, Telly Savalas became known for his bald head, deep voice, and tough guy persona. He appeared in numerous films and TV shows, but it was his role as Lieutenant Theo Kojak in the TV series "Kojak" that truly solidified his place in pop culture history.

If you want to learn more about Telly Savalas's life and career, there are plenty of resources available online. One great place to start is Biography.com, which offers a detailed look at his biography and accomplishments. Another informative site is IMDb, which provides a comprehensive list of his filmography and television credits.

Despite his tough guy image on screen, Telly Savalas was known for his warm and friendly personality off camera. He was a talented actor, a devoted father, and a beloved friend to many in Hollywood. His legacy continues to live on through his timeless performances and memorable characters.

So the next time you hear the name Telly Savalas, remember that his real first name was Aristotelis. It's just one of the many fascinating facts about this legendary actor that make him a true Hollywood icon.

For more interesting tidbits about Telly Savalas and other Hollywood legends, be sure to check out The Hollywood Reporter for the latest news and updates.

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