West Side Story's George Chakiris on his co-stars feud, the Spielberg remake & Marilyn Monroe.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2024
- At 91-years-young, George Chakiris charts his journey from dancer to Academy Award winner for his role in the celebrated musical West Side Story. The now silver fox opens up about the rumoured feud between two of his co-stars, plus the triple threat - dancer, actor and singer - reveals what he thinks about the recent West Side Story remake. The youthful nonagenarian also dishes on what it was really like to work alongside the legendary Marilyn Monroe and with Shirley Jones on The Partridge Family.
Timecodes
00:00 Start
01:09 Landing a role in a Katharine Hepburn film
02:19 Elizabeth Taylor
03:27 Marilyn Monroe
07:11 Brigadoon
08:11 Debbie Reynolds
08:42 White Christmas
10:32 West Side Story
11:17 Natalie Wood
16:11 Wardrobe malfunction
17:37 Rita Moreno
19:04 Winning his Oscar
22:02 The new West Side Story
23:10 Lana Turner
24:50 Dallas
27:35 Writing his memoir
29:19 Creating his jewellery collection
30:29 The Partridge Family and Shirley Jones - บันเทิง
Not only does he look younger, he thinks and acts younger. I absolutely love his story and stories ❣️
Looking 20 years younger than his 91 and much better with his silver hair. What an honour to spend time with this dance and film icon. 😊
It's so nice to see an interview where the celebrity guest has only good and positive things to say about the actors etc. that he worked with.
And yes, he looks fantastic for 91 and let's hope he has many more years to enjoy.
George Chakiris is a real class act. For his performance in "West Side Story" he will live as long as there is film. I wish him much success in his personal life and silver artistry work. A charming surprise that he and the Cassidy family became good friends.
Silver fox is correct. George is an icon. Seriously. Love his story. Loved hearing how professional MM was during Gentlemen Prefer Blonds
I always thought George was so handsome I'm glad to see he is still alive and doing well ❤️🙏
He’s so handsome to this day. He was handsome then and is still so distinguished. Yes, Cary Grant style. I was sad to hear about Natalie situation but not surprised because of her age. Poor Richard.
i met george when he was a student at eugene lorings dance studio in hollywood...1958...(garden court)..i was dating yvonne craig(bat girl), also a student at the studio.& i was picking her up to go to a movie.......& always liked his work, & happy for his success..onward & upward.....coincidence: barbara luna is a pal & i was in the army with russ tamblyn!..& worked with tony mordente in tv.....&..after the army hitch, i was cast in the san francisco company of "west side story"as a jet/actor..(not a dancer) & cover for tony....always the very best! .... jack english...film, stage & tv.......weho 4/2024
This man is a class act in every way…
George, loved you for years…West side story… but, LOVED you in “Diamond Head”. I’m gonna go find it on TH-cam and watch it! ..
I loved him as Frederic Chopin in Notorious Woman, a tv series from the 1970's. So handsome.
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting and speaking with George on the TCM cruise in November. Such a kind gentleman, friendly and nice as he could be.
I told him “WSS” was my favorite film of all time and have seen it over 115 times. He was surprised and deeply touched. I also told him the reason I went on the cruise was to meet him, which was true.
Love you, George.
George always seals the show in everything he’s ever done. I would have loved to hear him talk about “Demoiselles de Rochefort” with Catherine Deneuve, Francois Dorleac and Gene Kelly. But hey you can’t cover everything. Great interview with a true class ac. He’s the handsomest 91 year old I’ve ever seen!
Maybe there'll be a Part 2. Here's hoping...I adore Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. An overlooked gem of a movie outside of France.
Yes !
OMG George Chakiris!!! Who always reminded me of a sexier version of Farley Granger, who was always quietly gorgeous. Glad to see him dishing and so well. Among my favorites of his work are of course, West Side Story, and his stint in White Christmas as one of the dancers with Rosemary Clooney in a number she sang. What a great surprise. Wonderful idea to interview him.
Both alike in more ways than one.
What a lovely interview! George Chakiris was my huge crush from West Side Story. How wonderful to know all these years later that he is a quiet, charming and witty man.
I agree I also had a crush on him in West side story he was gorgeous
@@CarolShook-yg9nn I did, too. You should watch him play Frederic Chopin in a series called Notorious Woman about George Sand.
It was Russ Tamblyn for me!
Amazing how late he started dance and still became incredible. I read reviews about his book and one comment was about his sexuality. They wanted to know his orientation. No matter to me. But many were disappointed that he does not talk about it. He is incredibly thoughtful.
My favorite movie with him was Diamond Head. Fan of James Darren too, but he really stood out.
just as sweet as I thought he would be
Oh my I've had a major first crush on this man since West Side Story. He is still marvelous❤😊
Wow, how large is that Oscar! My best memory is White Christmas and Rosemary Clooney. Watched George not Rosemary, hot!
I was 11 when I saw WSS and fell madly in love with George. After that, I waited breathlessly for every issue of 16 Magazine to come out so that I could moon over him. He made a couple of albums of standards that were terrific; he was under-appreciated as a singer. I wore those records out. My mother tried gently to temper my crush because she knew he was gay, but never said so (she or Geoge!). I'm 73 now and delighted to see how many fans he has had, like me, all these years. Recently watched "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" for the first time just to glimpse him again. How gorgeous he was, and is! And yes, a triple threat and a complete gentleman.
Eternally gorgeous human being! What a treasure!
Love how down to earth he is and how lovely and respectful he speaks of everyone. I also agree that "Somewhere" in the new film is a Tony and Maria song. I love Rita, but I really missed Doc.
I adore George Chakiris My boyfriend in high school took me to Miami from a little town I was raised in ( Hollywood Florida) for the premiere of West Side Story and I was crazy in love with George and That Movie!! My girlfriends and I used to perform all the songs to it in my living room … we were hysterically funny and would end up making up our own words to the songs esp TONIGHT 😂😂 George is still gorgeous and such a class act. Looks like Farley Grainger only better 🥰 Rock On George ✌🏼
Ever since I saw George Chakris in West Side Story as a kid in the 1960s, I've wanted to emulate his unique style. My favorite performer! BTW I'll take whatever George is taking everyday to say so young and sharp!
OMB! Chakiris is every bit as beautiful in his golden years as he was in his youth. And how eloquent, never mind emotionally generous he is. I saw WSS on its initial release and fell in love, a love affair still as passionate over half a century later. Wish I'd seen him at least once on stage, but it's a joy to hear him talk about his career so candidly. What a gift, this video. Thank you both so much!
There's no way that silver fox is 91!🐺 The movie musicals he's been in are still so popular - I know some of the material within the films hasn't aged well (although parts are timeless and wonderful), but George certainly has and his talent can not be denied. Thanks to ingenue fox Craig for another fabulous interview with a living legend! ⭐
I so appreciate Craig’s interviews/style of doing them and his impeccable research and classy way of asking questions. Mr Chakiris is a true wow!!! 🙏🙏
I can't think of any one celebrity who has given me goose bumps more than George Chakiris. As young as I was at the time West Side Story premiered, through the passage of time I haven't seen or recognized George much in the media. But when like Celebrity Drop I am reminded of him and envious of his looks and the longevity of his sex appeal into his 90's, his appeal lives on long after many celebs have come and gone!.
He is a very handsome man and a talented dancer.
I'm so happy you interviewed Mr Chakaris. I focused on his performances in all his movies. His talent stood out. He's lovely and kind as he talks about each actor.
He still is so handsome.
I knew Mr. Chakiris was a chorus dancer in the Diamonds number but I didn't know he was in so many other popular movies (aside, of course, WSS) as a dancer. Brigadoon????!!!!! Wow! I wonder if he's still friends with Russ Tamblyn. George really looks fantastic at his age and still has a great head of hair. When I started losing mine, I chopped it all off.
Thank you for this interview. As a native NYer I can relate personally to WSS. Even seeing it today never fails to bring me to tears. God bless you George.
What a gentleman.
Class.
OMGOSH my all time fav dancer, I could fall down and kiss his shoes with those gorgeous purple socks and shirt to match. When I first saw the movie (WSS) in the early 60’s I was totally mesmerized. I became a dancer because of him and the great Rita Moreno. The choreography was beyond fantastic and I tried to learn all the steps. Don’t even ask me how many times I have seen the movie, the best musical ever. BTW I love his grey hair it matches mine now. All the best to him and Rita and you did an excellent job with this interview. Merci ❤
Great to see George embracing his natural hair color. He looks every bit as handsome and youthful with his glorious silver maim!
Great to see Mr. Chakris!
He was a hunk in his youth, but went a little strange when he got older. In this interview, he is a silver fox and very attractive once again - no more black hair dye
What do you mean he went strange?
I agree! It was disconcerting to see him with died black hair in his 80s. When I found this interview on TH-cam, I even wondered what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see he'd shunned the dye and let his lovely head of gray hair show. He looks so much better!
Once again, such a great interview. George Chakiris is such an underrated star. Beautiful dancer and classy, classic actor. I have seen him in many movies, and have always greatly admired his talent. Interesting to hear him say he wasn't out for big stardom and didn't realise his clout after winning the Oscar. What a classy man. Thanks Craig for another flawless interview.
Gorgeous as ever. If only they could bottle what he has.
IS HE 91?! Is it just me or does he look like and act like someone at least 20 years younger?!
I have long thought George made some kind of deal with the devil to retain so much youth...
Still sharp as a tack too.
And still handsome. One of my teenage crushes.❤
This was an incredible interview. He is such a joy and has such a love for his work.
Thank you for this! It’s so nice to see George looking so fab! Still a hope of mine to meet him one day 💜 Love you George!
I certainly understand why he earned the Oscar for West Side Story!Mr.Chakiris was extraordinary!I was a young teenager when I saw the movie,and was blown away away! I instantly fell in love with Bernardo’s character!!His acting was so on point!!May God continue to keep you!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
91,cant believe it❤
I own his book.......such a fantastic read
It's refreshing to hear his candid opinion on the remake, and he's absolutely right. Some things just belong to certain people, in certain places.
LOVE OSCAR JUST PEAKING INTHE CORNER.....and he is so right SOMEWHERE belongs to Tony and Maria. Period.
What a wonderful interview. Fascinating. An interviewer who actually knows how to interview. A rarity!!! THANK YOU. Love and Blessings from California.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing interview - Thank You sir! Coincidentally, I just watched West Side Story a few days ago.(Never can get enough of that masterpiece!) Glad to see George is fine - he looks great!
Ti Kanyas George. 👍👍👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
A really lovely interview. He is in amazing shape for 91! Thanks Craig and Kelley.
Our pleasure!
70 years ago he was dancing in White Christmas. 1947 in a movie. Talk about longevity.
He is quite visible in songs LOVE, YOU DIDN'T DO RIGHT BY ME and MANDY.
What a beautiful and informative interview. George Chakiris is one of the greats. He was excellent in West Side Story and very deserving of the Academy Award. Thanks for posting this. Kudos Mr Chakiris. 🙏
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great interview with Mr. Chakiris, who looks fantastic with his silver locks!
I can't believe he is 91. He looks wonderful and what nice things he had to say! A really interesting interview. Now I will have to go watch his movies again.
And forgot to say, George looks great with his hair natural. I wonder what he thought of Natalie Wood's death - the mystery. Accident or not. Would loved his thoughts, as they were so close.
Oh my God, he’s so adorable so handsome. I had such a huge crush on him when he did the Westside story. And when he gets started on wonder woman.❤❤❤❤ God bless him
Me too but found out he was gay.
It's often forgotten, but the stage version of "America" was all-female. Making it a sort of battle of the sexes between Bernardo and Anita heightened it SO MUCH and surely contributed to his chances at the Oscar. I asked him about it being changed for the movie when I met him (twice!) and he couldn't pin down when it was determined or who decided it (but I'm leaning towards the gifted screenwriter Ernest Lehman.) George was so kind, friendly and pleasant to meet and be around. He was born in the Ohio town in which I now reside and came home for a special day in his honor. ☺
I was so thrilled to see that you were interviewing George Chakiris. West Side Story is still my favorite musical; I've seen the film many times. I must mention a performance that George gave in the Masterpiece Theater series, Notorious Woman. It was the life of the author George Sand (who was a woman) and her relationship with Chopin. George played the role of Chopin beautifully. It required him to play a musical genius who is dying of tuberculosis. Rosemary Harris played Sand. He was brilliant. I wish they had these series available; if you can find it, please watch. Thank you so much for another terrific interview.
I was beginning to wonder whether anyone else remembered Notorious Woman! That was how I first discovered George. It should be available. I was about 12 at the time and even then I was crushing.
I’ve always loved George Chakiris in his dancing and interviews. His humility and beautiful way with people always shines thru the fame and glitter of Hollywood. West Side Story is my favorite movie of all time hands down (the original West Side Story). He looks great for being in his 90’s. He still has the “dancer physique “ body. ❤🙏⭐💎
Nonagenarian is someone in their 90s. I remember him from White Christmas as one of the dancers with Rosemary Clooney when she sang Love You Didn't Do Right By Me in the nightclub scene.
You are so right and it's been changed. Thank you.
Wow! What an absolutely wonderful interview.
George Chakiris, aside from being a great talent, seems to be a lovely human being as well.
Thank you both.
A first class interview.
Always gorgeous and talented.
A classy, elegant and sublimely good interview. Far too short!! Could have listened and watched George Chakiris for hours. Did he really say 91? What a trouper. So many experiences. Off to hunt up his book. Another Craig Bennett master class conversation with a great ❤
I believe the age is incorrect .
Chakiris will be 90 this year on Sept. 16th.
His book says born September 16, 1932 so he’s 91. Will be 92 in September.
Yes, was born in 1932 Ohio IMDB states. He was 15 he says when he was in the Katherine Hepburn movie in 1947. Makes him coming on to 92. He is amazing!!😊🙏
See this is why I love watching this channel because you interview the greats and not just from what popular right now. George, oh George was totally my heartthrob when I can remember as a child watching WSS on TV, because he was so suave and with the dark makeup (?), l was attracted to him with his pride, posture and protectiveness his character displayed for his people and family. He was a very slim performer, but face features were very masculine, strong and those eyes. It was great going thru his history and actually realize that he did not pop up out of the blue, but I had seen him plenty but did not put 2 and 2 together and realize that was Bernardo but I will never unsee it again. I have high respect for Gene Kelly and Fred Astair, because their choreography and dance were sometimes eloquent but other times very athletic.
At 91, he is still a heartthrob, he has aged very well, love the head full of white hair. I could listen to him talk for hours. It great hearing story about how he ended up with the role and that Natalie Woods was being a studio brat because she did not get her way on pushing her nepotism agenda. Those 2 guys Warren Beatty and Robert Wagner (not really an actor to me his characters were always the same) would not been able to pull the character vibe of Tony off like Richard Beymer did and it was great that even when I first saw it the cast (other than Woods) was still unknown to me and as a child it made the tragedy of the tale so much more realistic. Casting knew what they were doing, good they stuck to their decision. I wonder if Natalie ever apologized to Richard after all those years before her death. I really love the new WSS2 because the actors really sang for their parts and it was beautiful and after hearing the Tony and Maria sing One Heart, I was looking forward to them singing There A Place for Us. I love me some Rita Moreno but that song was misplaced with her singing (totally agree with Chakiris) it because it a powerful love song between the 2 characters and Rita rendition was weak. I felt cheated, I basically got mad! I was still hopeful that they were going to have them sing it in the credits or soundtrack (but Noooo), somehow, some where I need to hear the new Tony and Maria put their flavor on the song. Spielberg cheated Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort and us from a breathtaking version because they could sang their butts off and that was an actual powerful song for 2 scenes. I like that George spoke his mind on this but kept it tactical on reason why.
Thank God for latex!
I have never heard of this move called The Big Cube but just looked it up and that was totally out of my age bracket at that time, and it was not made for TV. Tee hee!
I am so grateful that you are actually capturing interviews with the greats because there will never be such a large group of working talented that will exist again in my lifetime and I want them to know while they are alive what their legacy meant to me.
George was blessed to come into Hollywood during the iconic time of stardom and movies and he also was part of and one of them also and to walk among other greats, one can only dream.
I see he has a website so will be checking it out to see if he ever makes it to KCMO and will be looking to purchase his book. George Chakiris has such great features genetically, I was wondering if there was some carrier of his genetic that will be overseeing his legacy long after he gone, but no such luck.
Thank you so much for doing what you do so well.
I saw the Cary Grant q and a probably around 1985ish at the Broward Community College theater in Davie, FL. It was great. He showed 20 minutes of movie clips then came out, got his standing O and got down to business, which was opening it up to any and all questions. So George would be great at that as well.
A Great Actor and Dancer who thoroughly Deserved his Best Supporting Actor Oscar,a very Classy and lovely Man☺️❤️
Great singer as well. Saw a clip of him on TH-cam singing "Stranger in Paradise" from a 1967 television version of "Kismet" and he is incredible- he should have had a lot more success in this genre.
@@slc2466 The whole program is up on TH-cam under the title *"Kismet* (1967)." In addition to George, it features José Ferrer, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Barbara Eden, and Hans Conreid, with Robert Goulet hosting the show.
You are and always have been handsome, but as a teenager, mother of God you were hot. What a great career you've had; seems like you never stopped working.
Nothing but a True Gentleman.. Serious Swagger . Took time to send me an Autograph.
He’s such a great part of my life. I literally can’t adore actors from west side story more. It changed my life. I’m Hispanic and it made me appreciate my heritage at a young age. I didn’t feel appreciated in a more dominant white neighborhood. I adore him and what he represented
He's lovely ❤❤
I saw him in Los Angeles in an apartment garage underground, and he was a thin as he is now and his hair was jet black back then this is about 30 years ago and even then it didn’t look right because it looked like he died his hair… But this is legendary anyways it’s great greatthat he still alive and unbelievable, his track record on dancing in the movies during the golden age plus that he’s alive. God bless him.
Kudos to George Chakiris for his superb performances in "West Side Story" and throughout his career. How exciting to be in the original productions. So glad he won the Oscar and the Golden Globe.
HELLO GEORGE! Watching this interview from the Philippines. You have been on my Bucket List of people to meet for 20+ years. YOU LOOK GREAT SIR!
What a powerhouse talent!!!! Triple threat! I appreciate his candor in this interview.
Many thanks to Craig, Kelley and George! 🤩 I'm so glad you asked him about his role in BRIGADOON (1954)... and I'm glad he mentioned meeting Yvonne Wilder.
Thank you auntvesuvi3872! So glad you enjoyed our chat with George.
I have George’s book, its excellent. This is the best interview I’ve seen with this great man. But no surprises as Craig Bennett is always so well prepared, asks interesting questions, listens and lets the star talk and shine!!! Please keep these excellent interviews coming. I’ve seen them all. 💐💐
Great interview. Craig Bennett is the best!
Yes, agree wholeheartedly-Craig Bennett does incredible interviews. Should be on television here in the US. So many hopeless celebrity interviewers here. He knows his every topic backwards! 👍🙏❤️
Tthank you SO MUCH, for this interview. I have had a crush on Mr Chakiris, for over sixty years.
Same here! I fell hard for him in WSS and I'm 73 now!😅
A lovely interviewee, lovely interviewer. A real celebrity. I could have listened for hours ❤️🐾
Imaging being THAT "Drop Dead Gorgeous" at 91. I still love to watch him dance on film. Still gives me palpitations. I should check into Beta Blockers. LOL Seriously, a talented, accomplished and lovely human being.
OMG this fabulous man from Les Demoiselles de Rochefort! Great looking at 91! Inspirational!
I had no idea that had been a professional dancer before West Side Story. Entertaining and informative interview!
Truly Gorgeous !!!! How much more attractive and sexy is an older person who depends on their God given beauty not hilariously fake hair colour and tight ridiculous plastic surgery. Xxx
Georhe was my nomber 1 idol since WWS, l have seen that movie over 200 times, his memoir which could not be bought from Hongkong ,was brought all the way from the States,
is right here lying on my bedside table.
I wish I can meet him one day.
I enjoyed this interview - good questions from the interviewer, answered openly by a terrific interviewee. My congratulations to you both!
That film shoot day when MM showed up six hours late to sing "Lazy" .... likely she was just "Method" acting.
Lovely interview. West Side story a classic. Mr Chikiris a charmer for sure.
File this under "PRICELESS!"
So loved this interview with the elegant and classy George Chakiris, I’ve watched it twice over! Bravo to you both for a truly lovely interview 💛👍
WOW
❤West Side Story + George Chakiris film & GC as a dancer were my great inspirations to request dance lessons from my parents when I was 14 yr. old. I called places in Phoenix AZ to find out costs to take dance classes. I hardly asked my parents for such things at time. Very shy. I played sound track LP & learned some songs until record became scratchy. Over & over again I played it. Motivation to luv & dance dance started with WSS film & him. I still dance.
Thanks for sharing!!
In the year of filming West Side Story (1961), Natalie Wood in real life romantically torn between Robert Wagner and Warren Beatty may have scrupulously avoided offscreen confab with romantic costar Richard Beymer, not further to complicate her overwrought love life. (Recall in that year's film Splendor in the Grass, her naturalistic portrayal of a love torn teen girl's hyperemotional nervous breakdown.)
I loved the dancing and singing very much. Their dancing was so graceful and energetic
Rita Morena says a different account about Natalie Wood, saying during an interview that Natalie was aloof and not warm to her co-stars on West Side Story.
What a lovely, talented man with a fantastic career. Terrific interview with George Chakiris, thanks so much, I really enjoyed it!
Glad you enjoyed it
What a lovely man. Thank you for this interview.
Our pleasure!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤!! I LOVE MR. CHAKIRIS!!!! " WEST SIDE STORY" IS MY FAVORITE!! HE WAS SOOO GOOD IN "DIAMOND HEAD."❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤..
This was such a pleasure to watch and brought back many memories of my life, especially during the the time “West Side Story” was filmed. Thanks for the great interview, George, and the very best to you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just loved this interview. West Side Story is my favorite movie. Mr Chakiris is an inspiration 💕💕 Had no idea he’d enjoyed such an amazing career. This is the best channel for looking at great celebrity interviews. 🙏🙏
I saw him at Trader Joe’s recently!
Wonderful interview, thank you.
Great interview about his work life. I would have liked to have heard some questions about his personal life during that era and how he managed it.