George Hamilton

George Stevens Hamilton was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 12, 1939. His early life involved frequent moves, including to Arkansas, Massachusetts, New York, and California, due to his father’s work as a touring bandleader. He developed an interest in acting during his time at Palm Beach High School, which led him to move to Los Angeles in the late 1950s to pursue an acting career. MGM recognized his potential, signing him on and quickly casting him in films after some television guest appearances. His debut film, “Crime & Punishment, USA” (1959), was an adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel. Although the film achieved modest success, Hamilton’s performance earned him a Golden Globe for “Most Promising Newcomer” and a BAFTA nomination for “Best Foreign Actor.”

This early recognition led to a series of film roles throughout the 1960s, including “Home from the Hill” (1960), “Angel Baby” (1961), and “Light in the Piazza” (1962), for which he received another BAFTA nomination. He also took on biopics, portraying Moss Hart in “Act One” (1963) and country star Hank Williams in “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (1964). In the 1970s, Hamilton expanded into production, notably as executive producer and star of the disco-era Dracula spoof “Love at First Bite” (1979), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He continued in this comedic vein with “Zorro: The Gay Blade” (1981), where he also served as producer.

Hamilton’s career continued into the 1980s and beyond with roles in television series such as “Dynasty” (1985-1986 season) and a notable part in “The Godfather Part III” (1990). He also featured in and hosted various reality shows, including “The Family” (2003) and “Dancing with the Stars” (2005). In recent years, he has appeared in TV commercials as KFC’s “Extra Crispy Colonel.” Parallel to his acting career, Hamilton ventured into business, launching a line of skin-care products and tanning salons in 1989 and a cigar lounge and line of cigars in the late 1990s. He has authored two books, “Life’s Little Pleasures” (1998) and “Don’t Mind if I Do” (2009).