Touch was his basketball nickname, and Willson considered Connors to be a good all-American name. Arguably, the one highlight of his film career -- several years later -- could be said to be his role as one of a pair of American bomber crew (the other being Robert Redford) held captive in a cellar by a lonely German drug store clerk who chooses to withhold from them the trivial matter of Germany's surrender to the Allies (played with whimsical aplomb by the brilliant Alec Guinness) in the underrated and very funny black comedy Situation Hopeless -- But Not Serious (1965).After many years as a struggling actor, Mike's first TV hit was Tightrope (1959) for CBS in which he starred as an undercover cop infiltrating an organized crime syndicate. Marriages lasting close to 7 decades are not typical in Hollywood, but Connor and Lous made theirs work. The aspiring actor explained that his teammates had dubbed him Touch, due to his soft touch with the basketball. Apparently, Mike has made all his money in the construction business and . His wife and daughter along with his son-in-law supported him to fight cancer. Classic Hollywood. He was popular for being a TV Actor. Another highlight was the theme music by legendary screen composer Lalo Schifrin. ", In 1958, the couple welcomed their son Matthew Gunner Ohanian and then a daughter Dana Lee Connors in 1960. Before he went into restoring cars full-time, Mike owned a slope stabilization business, Chimera Springs Rock Works, which he summarizes as "hanging from cliffs and blowing shit up", in typical Mike fashion. Connors, Jeff: Jeff Connors, son of actor Chuck Connors, in stable condition, Los Angeles, after being shot while trying to stop car theft; Alfred Humphrey, 18, arrested for attempted murder (S) "Mannix" ran for eight years on CBS beginning in 1967. Then-president Lucille Ball pushed for CBS to keep the show on the air by removing the high-tech computers and making Mannix an independent detective. Connors seems to have been in this mix. He retold how he and Lou lived in a tiny apartment off Sunset Boulevard. [13], Connors was strongly considered to play Matt Helm in The Silencers (1966), but that role had eventually gone to Dean Martin. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [13], Connors' final appearance was in a 2007 Two and a Half Men episode, as a love interest of Evelyn Harper (Holland Taylor). He shared that they had been fortunate to have their success, traveled the world, met some of the wittiest and funniest people, and even dined with royalty and top politicians. He was with John Wayne the day that Wayne was offered the part of Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke (1955), turned it down and suggested James Arness for the role of the Dodge City marshal. [13], Mannix was originally produced by Desilu Productions (later absorbed by Paramount Television). Marylou Connors husband Mike was an American actor best known for playingprivate detectiveJoe Mannix in theCBStelevision seriesMannixfrom 1967 to 1975, a role which earned him aGolden Globe Awardin 1970, the first of six straight nominations, as well as four consecutiveEmmynominations from 1970 to 1973. However, along the way, he switched to theatre arts. You spot a familiar face, albeit one disguised behind a marvelous mustache. Even then, Lou stuck with him, even when his mother and her friends disowned him, saying he would eventually come to his senses. Marylou Connors's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. Jan. 15, 1997: Actor Mike Connors, right, appears with actor Dick Van Dyke during an episode of the television show "Diagnosis Murder,", Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend', Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck', Kelsey Grammer wont apologize for the 'difference' that Jesus has made in his life, Person roaming in 'Scream' Ghostface costume prompts multiple police calls, Kelsea Ballerini kisses Chase Stokes after criticizing ex amid nasty divorce. Connors and his wife championed efforts to erase the stigma of mental illness. Matthew predeceased his father, dying of heart failure in 2007. Krekor Ohanian (August 15, 1925 - January 26, 2017), known professionally as Mike Connors, was an American actor best known for playing private detective Joe Mannix in the CBS television series Mannix from 1967 to 1975, a role which earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1970, the first of six straight nominations, as well as four consecutive Emmy Mike is 64 years old in 2020. Connors became best known for playing theprivate investigatorJoe Mannix in the detective seriesMannix. In 1998, the UC Irvine College of Medicine's Brain Imaging Center Committee awarded Connors the Silver Ribbon Award for his contributions. He retold how he and Lou lived in a tiny apartment off Sunset Boulevard. Peter Brooker/Shutterstock. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Mike Connors, star of long-running TV series "Mannix,"has died at 91 from complications of leukemia, family says. Mike Connors, best known for playing detective Joe Mannix on 1960s and '70s show "Mannix," died Thursday in Tarzana, Calif. This move enabled the show to become a long-running hit for the network. In his entire life, he was never linked with any other woman and is believed to be a loyal and supportive husband. Mary Lou Willey is currently available. He, though, lost it all following a positive doping scandal results. They eventually married on September 10, 1949. | Source: Getty Images. [14], Other syndicated series in which he appeared were The Silent Service, based on true stories of the submarine section of the United States Navy; Sheriff of Cochise, a Western series; Whirlybirds, an aviation adventure series; and Rescue 8, based on stories of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The network was concerned that affiliates in the South might object to her character but "there wasn't any kind of backlash," Connors recalled. He was the guy who dreamt up the monikers for Rock Hudson (Roy Scherer), Tab Hunter (Arthur Kelm) and Race Gentry (John Papiro). | Source: Getty Images. Failed to subscribe, please contact admin. Celebrity Couples. Marylou Connors was born on 22 December 1926 in Utica, Indiana, USA. Connors went to law school, where he studied to become an attorney, taking after his father. Nancy Fields O'Connor, widow of "All in the Family" star Carroll O'Connor, died Nov. 10 of complications from Alzheimer's Disease at the couple's Malibu home, a spokesperson for . Matt Shewchuk, a producer with Mayhem Entertainment, pitched him the idea of doing a . With that, he got into his car and drove home to his wife. Patti was raised in St. Louis alongside her two younger siblings. He was 71. They passed on the same year, in 2017, with Lou dying shortly after Connors demise. Connors and his wife, Mary Lou, were married in 1949 and had two children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Dana. She died in 2017. Connors still had the touch. The duo also shared the screen in other works such as Branded, Broken Sabre and Cowboy in Africa before their divorce in 1973. He was a spokesperson for theNational Alliance on Mental Illness. Do what you can. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Their son, beset by hallucinations starting in his teens, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and before his death lived in a small residential care facility. Connors played the private investigator Joe . And his wife would frequently appear alongside him onscreen. Connors was born Krekor Ohanian, Jr. (Armenian: ), on August 15, 1925, in Fresno, California, to Armenian parents Krekor and Alice (ne Surabian) Ohanian. He was the number one player for 160 consecutive weeks from 1974-1977, a record at the time. In addition to his work on television, he appeared in numerous films, includingSudden Fear(1952),Situation Hopeless But Not Serious(1965),Stagecoach(1966),Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die(1966), andToo Scared to Scream(1985), which he also produced. After dating for a while, Connors wanted to marry her, but she kept stalling. Connors brushed her off, saying he'd have loved to, but he had an appointment and could not stay much longer. Geoffrey Mark, the author of "The Lucy Book," would say: "Family was terribly important to him. According to Daily Variety, the actor died of leukemia. Seeing them together shed light on the kind of bond they shared. Despite studying law, Mike Connors decided he would become an actor. Connors also did not agree with the suggested change to add asidekick, to be played by Don Sullivan. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. He raised $117,000 for the film. They married in 1915 and had six children: Paul I, Paul II, Dorothy M., Arpesri A., Krekor, and Eugene.His father was an attorney and represented many Armenians that had little money and couldnt speak English. Actor Mike Connors attends the signing of Bob Newhart's book "I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This" at Borders on September 26, 2006 in Westwood, California | Photo: Getty Images Together, they share a son Matthew Gunnar Ohanian, and a daughter, Dana Lee Connors. All rights reserved. The death was announced by his son-in-law, Mike Condon, who told Variety that the actor had leukemia. Connors brushed her off, saying hed have loved to, but he had an appointment and could not stay much longer. I'd sign any contract they gave me. Who Is Mike Connors's Wife? Jimmy Connors and wife Patti McGuire circa 1982 in New York City. He guest-starred on the early sitcoms, Hey, Jeannie! That same guy also decided that his original surname Ohanian sounded too much like O'Hanlon -- George O'Hanlon was already a well-established film actor and writer -- and consequently changed his name to 'Connors'. Follow along on their journey. [7] After the war, he attended the University of California at Los Angeles on both a basketball scholarship and the G.I. Mannix (1967) was highly innovative in its day: among its winning combination were an upbeat jazzy score (composed by Lalo Schifrin), teasers, fast cuts from scene to scene, a car replete with a computer transmitting and receiving fingerprints and an African-American co-star (the charming Gail Fisher, who played Joe's secretary Peggy Fair). Connors had been diagnosed. [2] He was considered for the role of Tarzan by casting director Ruth Burch, who found him an acting coach. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The Associated Press reported that Mannix starred in both television and film, in a career that stretched from the 1950s to 2007, when he had a guest role on Two and a Half Men.'. The Rifleman Johnny Crawford's obituary announced his cause of death as the actor's health condition; He was suffering from Alzheimer's disease before he sadly contracted COVID-19 and then pneumonia. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. The ratings zoomed. The couple fell in love after they meet. He recalls how Lana sent a girl to ask for his name. He would later reprise the role of Joe Mannix in a 1997 episode ofDiagnosis: Murderand in the 2003 comedy filmNobody Knows Anything!. His marriage was, however, not without its temptations. via: History. As The Rifleman was wrapping up its run, Connors landed the lead role in United Artist's big-budget Western Geronimo. Ohanian enrolled at UCLA. Not much is known about the active work she engaged in. The ratings were lukewarm. Celebrity Weddings. Connors, of Armenian descent and a World War II veteran, was born Krekor Ohanian in 1925, the New York Daily News reported. Alma Sharpe: What happened to Troy Donahues ex-wife. He had initially been denied an audition by producer Joseph Kaufman due to his lack of experience, but after sneaking intoRepublic Picturesand meeting directorDavid Miller, Connors was given a chance to read the script and was offered the part. The show was taken off the air due to a dispute between CBS and Paramount. He was four times nominated for an Emmy Award and won a Golden Globe in 1969. and underwrote another program on another network. | Source: Getty Images. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I really married well. [16], In 1958, Connors appeared in the title role of the episode "Simon Pitt", the series finale of the NBC Western Jefferson Drum, starring Jeff Richards as a frontier newspaper editor. Mike talked about how he faced temptations to other things but chose to remain faithful to his wife because he loved her. He appeared in another NBC Western series,The Californians. It was more a show about an all-round normal human being. [8], After a basketball game, coach Wilbur Johns introduced Connors to his friend, director William A. Wellman, who liked Connors' voice and expressive face while he was playing basketball, and encouraged him to consider acting. When discussing the success of the series in an interview, Connors stated: The show itself started a whole new era of detective shows, because this wasnt the usual cynical private eye laHumphrey Bogart. He thought the program would lose the suspense element, Because the whole premise was this guy, all by himself, on a tightrope. When he gets a sidekick, it loses the threat and the danger, and the whole premise is in the toilet.. "[15], Connors was able to work with his boss Lucille Ball on-screen during a cross-promotion episode of her Here's Lucy series in 1971. [14] In 1964, Connors appeared in a pinch-hit role for Raymond Burr as attorney Joe Kelly in the Perry Mason episode, "The Case of the Bullied Bowler." [27], Connors had roles in the thriller films Avalanche Express (1979) and Nightkill (1980). He was also. [26] In 1995, Connors narrated another Armenian documentary by Hagopian, Ararat Beckons. The couple would open up about their relationship, saying that a sense of humor was the best coping mechanism and bound them like superglue. Connors' last publicly known romantic relationship was with Rose Mary Grumley, with whom he was in a relationship until his death. But Geronimo would not be their last project together. November 1958) and a daughter, Dana Lee Connors (b. July 1960), with his wife, Marylou Connors (Mary Lou Riley). He was not above being taken advantage of.". Hey, I think thats Mike Connors, you say to the loved one on the other end of the couch. However, his audition had impressed Columbia Pictures, so Connors was instead cast in the similar James Bond spoof film Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die (1966). [21], Connors became best known for playing the private investigator Joe Mannix in the detective series Mannix. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. He endorsedRonald ReaganforPresidentin1980and1984and endorsedGeorge DeukmejianforGovernor of Californiain1982and1986. As Connors told the tale, he happened to be playing on the court when Hollywood big-wig William Wellman, who directed the first film ever win the Academy Award for Best Picture, sat in the stands. He had initially been rejected for an audition by producer Joseph Kaufman due to his lack of experience, but after sneaking into Republic Pictures and meeting director David Miller, Connors was given a chance to read the script and was offered the part. Check out this article on Phil Swift: Phil Swift's death. | Source: Getty Images. or redistributed. When he got home, he was shocked that his wife was already aware of what had transpired between him and Lana. Connors, however, reminded her that he had not been married long and was still in love with his wife. Hollywood Couples. Actor Chuck Connors, best known as the fast-shooting Lucas McCain on the long-running television series "The Rifleman," died Nov. 10 in Los Angeles. ; August 15, 1925 January 26, 2017), known professionally as, , was an American actor best known for playing, from 19671975, a role which earned him a, in 1970, the first of six straight nominations, as well as four consecutive, nominations from 19701973. Actor Mike Connors and wife Mary Lou at the Sportsman Lodge Luncheon on January 1 1977 | Source: Getty Images. Their home in Encino was gorgeous, and you never felt like you were walking into a fancy house; it was a home., Mike Connors and Mary Lou Wiley attend the premiere performance of Joan Collins and Linda Evans in Legends on January 16, 2007 at the Wlishire Theatre in Beverly Hills, California. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Despite the show's popularity, it was cancelled after only one season. He starred in the short-lived seriesTightrope! According to her IMBD profile, she is known forIt Takes Two(1968) andThe 29th Annual Golden Globe Awards(1972). The pair lived a fulfilled life and loved each other to the end, so much that after almost seven decades together, they did not want to be apart when the time came. Mike Connors was an American actor best known for playing private detective Joe Mannix in the CBS television series Mannix from 1967 to 1975, a role which earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1970, the first of six straight nominations, as well as four consecutive Emmy nominations from 1970 to 1973. Market data provided by Factset. In addition to his work on television, he appeared in numerous films, including, COPYRIGHT 2020 By TheLifeandTimesofHollywood.com, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He did several films for Roger Corman for $400 a pop. Connors stated in an interview that the show's primary sponsor, J.B. Williams, refused CBS president James Aubrey's request to move it to a later time slot on a different day.