Mike Connors was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Mannix, Diagnosis Murder, and Here’s Lucy.
Personal and Family Life
Born Krekor Ohanian on August 15, 1925, in Fresno, California, Mike Connors had a mother who hoped he would become a lawyer. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, he attended UCLA, initially studying law before switching to theater. He was married to Mary Lou Connors for 67 years, and they had two children, Matthew Gunner Ohanian and Dana Lee Connors.
Career Highlights
Connors gained fame for his role as Joe Mannix in the television series Mannix, which aired from 1967 to 1975. He earned significant recognition for the show, receiving four Emmy nominations and winning a Golden Globe in 1969. Connors’ nickname “Touch” originated from his basketball days in college, and he often performed his stunts during filming, sometimes resulting in injuries.
Death and Legacy
Mike Connors passed away on January 26, 2017, in Tarzana, Los Angeles, due to leukemia. He will be remembered for his iconic role as Joe Mannix and his contribution to television history, as well as being a beloved figure in the entertainment world. His work continues to influence future generations of actors and television series.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche Express | 1979-09-27 | Haller |
| Good Neighbor Sam | 1964-07-22 | Howard Ebbets |
| Harlow | 1965-06-23 | Jack Harrison |
| Swamp Women | 1956-04-01 | Bob Matthews |
| Day the World Ended | 1955-12-01 | Tony Lamont |
| Diagnosis: Murder | 1993-10-29 | Joe Mannix |
| Mannix | 1967-09-16 | Joe Mannix |
| Here’s Lucy | 1968-09-23 | Joe Mannix |
| Today’s F.B.I. | 1981-10-25 | Ben Slater |
| War and Remembrance | 1988-11-13 | Col. Harrison ‘Hack’ Peters |