George Kennedy

Bio:
George Kennedy (born George Harris Kennedy Jr. on February 18, 1925 in New York City, New York) is an American Actor. He has starred in over 200 films and television shows, but his most well-known role is in 1968’s Cool Hand Luke, for which he won an Academy Award. George made his stage debut when he was just two years old, but put show business aside to serve in the U.S. Army for 16 years, part of which was during World War II. He began his acting career with some small parts on The Phil Silvers Show, but got his big break in The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come in 1961. He went on to star in several prominent movies and television shows, including The Andy Griffith Show and Bonanza. George also starred in four Airport films, and starred on TV’s Dallas as Carter McKay from 1988-1991. He starred in films up until 2014, just two years before his death on Feb. 28, 2016.

Best Known For:
George Kennedy is best known for his role in Cool Hand Luke and Airport.

Personal Life:
George was married to Joan McCarthy, and together they had one daughter, Shaunna. When Shaunna was incarcerated, the couple adopted their granddaughter, Taylor. George’s health began to fail after his wife’s death, which was just over a year before he died in hospice care at the age of 91.