5 Surprising Facts About George Hamilton and Where He Is Now

SILVER SKIES, George Hamilton, 2016
Roar Productions/Everett Collection

George Hamilton turns 86 on August 12, 2025, and while his career has spanned more than six decades, he is as well known for his style and perpetual tan as for his acting. These days, Hamilton still makes occasional TV appearances, attends Hollywood events, and participates in special projects that keep him connected to his fans. His most recent project was in the series American Housewife, which ran until 2019, but according to IMDb, he also has a movie in the works called All Terrain.

Here are five fun facts you might not know about him, in honor of his birthday:

1 He won a Golden Globe for his very first movie

CRIME & PUNISHMENT, USA, George Hamilton, 1959

Everett Collection

In 1959, Hamilton made his film debut in Crime and Punishment U.S.A. His performance earned him the Golden Globe in 1960 for Most Promising Newcomer, as well as a BAFTA nomination. What is even more impressive is that this breakout role came after just a handful of television appearances. It was the start of a career that would see him work with legends like Lana Turner and Burt Reynolds and eventually land in some of the most memorable comedies of the 1970s and 1980s.

He would go on to earn additional Golden Globe nominations for his performances in 1963’s Light in the Piazza and 1979’s Love at First Bite. 

2 He became a comedy star with Love at First Bite

LOVE AT FIRST BITE, Susan Saint James, George Hamilton, 1979

American International/Everett Collection

By the late 1970s, Hamilton was already known for his suave and sophisticated screen presence, but 1979’s Love at First Bite revealed another side, his gift for comedy. Playing a disco-loving Count Dracula, Hamilton spoofed the vampire legend with self-deprecating charm, even dancing to “I Love the Nightlife” in one of the film’s most memorable scenes. The movie was a surprise box-office hit and proved he could pull off more than just leading man roles. This success led to another tongue-in-cheek performance in 1981’s Zorro, The Gay Blade, which he also produced.

While it did not reach the same heights, it cemented Hamilton’s reputation for embracing humor, even if it meant poking fun at himself.

3 He is one of the last of the MGM contract stars

WHERE THE BOYS ARE, from left, Dolores Hart, George Hamilton, 1960

Everett Collection

Hamilton came up during the final years of the old Hollywood studio system, signing with MGM in the early 1960s. Being under contract meant the studio controlled his roles, publicity and even parts of his image. While this system was fading fast, Hamilton was among its last true beneficiaries, working steadily in films like Where the Boys Are and Light in the Piazza.

4 He was in the running to host The Price Is Right

After Bob Barker retired in 2007, Hamilton was reportedly one of the top contenders to take over hosting duties for The Price Is Right. With his easygoing charm and years of television experience, he seemed like a natural fit. Ultimately, Drew Carey got the job, but Hamilton did host The Price Is Right Live!, a traveling stage version of the game show.

5 He was one of the few celebrities at Elvis Presley’s funeral

ALL THE FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS, George Hamilton, 1960

Everett Collection

Hamilton and Elvis Presley first met through Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and quickly became friends. Their paths crossed often in the 1960s, including a memorable meeting in 1964 on the set of Girl Happy. Hamilton later shared humorous stories about their encounters, such as a night backstage when Elvis whisked away his date, leaving Hamilton waiting awkwardly. Their bond was strong enough that Hamilton was one of only a handful of celebrities invited to Elvis’s private funeral in 1977.

 

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September 2020

Test your knowledge, from Bonanza and Gunsmoke to I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeannie, Star Trek and more fun TV of the 1950s and 1960s.

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