“Gracious Dance” Los Angeles Times, Nov 11, 2013
An excerpt from Susan King’s article here:
“It was groundbreaking choreographer-director Jerome Robbins who gave Chakiris his first big break when he cast him as Riff, the leader of the Jets, in the London stage production of “West Side Story.”
Years later, Robert Wise, who co-directed the multi-Oscar-winning film version with Robbins, told Chakiris it was Robbins who chose him to play Bernardo, the fiery charismatic leader of the rival Sharks gang, in the Stephen Sondheim-Leonard Bernstein musical.
“I owe Jerry my life,” said the sweetly shy Chakiris, during a recent interview at a friend’s home in Pacific Palisades.”
Photo credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times
An Evening with George Chakiris | UCLA Film & Television Archive | Nov 16
A very nice article by Susan King of “The Los Angeles Times” which speaks of George Chakiris’ tremendous talent and versatility in the performing arts. He truly is a Hollywood Legend in his own time and once again, I ask Debra’s readers and friends to meet the man whose inspirational determination and dedication enabled him to achieve so much. The UCLA Archives event honoring George at the Hammer Museum in Westwood this Saturday, November 16th, will be an enlightening and entertaining evening.