George Chakiris

Chakiris in 2006, photo by PrPhotos

Place of Birth: Norwood, Ohio, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 16, 1932

Ethnicity: Greek

George Chakiris is an American actor, singer, and dancer. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for West Side Story (1961). He has also been billed as George Kerris.

His parents, Zoe and Stelianos “Steven” Chakiris, were ethnic Greeks, who were born in Turkey.

George’s paternal grandfather was named Aristotelis “Aristotle” Chakiris.

George’s paternal grandmother was named Ekaterini “Cathryn” Pappalazarou.

George’s maternal grandfather was surnamed Anastasiadou.

Sources: George Chakiris on the 1940 U.S. Census –

George’s parents on the 1930 U.S. Census –