He was 91. 'Mannix' ran for eight seasons (1967-1975), a testament to its enduring popularity.Connors was born Krekor Ohanian in Fresno, California. [19] He thought the program would lose the suspense element, "Because the whole premise was this guy, all by himself, 'on a tightrope.' There he met a hairdresser hed worked with before, and as they stood there talking, Lana sent a girl to ask for his name. After they dated for a while, Connors wanted to marry her, but she kept stalling. Actor Mike Connors and wife Mary Lou on February 15, 1980 at the Canyon Hotel Convention Center in Palm Springs, California. Mary Lou Willey is currently available. Connors played the private investigator Joe . Full NameChuck Connors Net Worth$5 Million Date of Birth10 April, 1972 NicknameChuck Marital Status Married BirthplaceBrooklyn, New York, USA Ethnicity White ProfessionActor Nationality American Active Year1952-1991 Eye colour Blue SpouseRose Mary Grumley Height1.96 m Education Seton Hall University in South Orange Children4 Together they had four kids who would grow to become a signature; the Chuck Connors' children. [18] Connors also did not agree with the suggested change to add a sidekick, to be played by Don Sullivan. This was notable as the first episode shot at Universal Studios, after Ball ceased producing her program at Paramount Studios. Being a self-proclaimed Irish beauty, Patti McGuire could not resist the siren call of fame that propelled her into the centre stage of the limelight during her time. His marriage was, however, not without its temptations. Giving an account of one of his temptations Mike talked about how he used to go on Sets trying to network with other actors and actresses. [26] In 1995, Connors narrated another Armenian documentary by Hagopian, Ararat Beckons. Connors brushed her off, saying he'd have loved to, but he had an appointment and could not stay much longer. Mike Connors, the star of the television show, Mannix, has died. Wearing a plaid blazer, he dribbled to his right, shakes a defender, and pops up for abaseline jumper. But Not Serious (1965), in which Connors and Redford played American soldiers taken prisoner by a German villager played by Alec Guinness. He later changed it to Michael and finally, Mike. Mike Connors, the star of the television show, Mannix, has died. Connors went to law school, where he studied to become an attorney, taking after his father. Mike Connors, best known for playing detective Joe Mannix on 1960s and '70s show "Mannix," died Thursday in Tarzana, Calif. Actor Mike Connors and wife Mary Lou attend Frank Sinatra Hosts "A Valentine Love-In: Frank, His Friends & His Food" Gala to Benefit the Desert Celebrity Couples. Connors final appearance was in a 2007Two and a Half Menepisode, as a love interest of Evelyn Harper (Holland Taylor). An Evening with Muhammad Ali and Friends' at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, on November 16 2000 | Source: Getty Images. What was the Net Worth of Chuck . After dating for a while, Connors wanted to marry her, but she kept stalling. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. The hairdresser called him an idiot, asking him how he thought people got ahead in the business. That same year, Connors was cast as Miles Borden, a corrupt US Army lieutenant bitter over his $54 monthly pay, on NBC's Wagon Train in the episode "The Dora Gray Story" with Linda Darnell in the title role. Note that the actor studied law at the University and intended to become a lawyer. He had been diagnosed a week ago with leukemia, according. MIKE WAS DEVOTED TO HIS FAMILY DESPITE TEMPTATIONS & SON'S ILLNESS, American actor Mike Connors and his wife, Mary Lou Willey, attend the 40th Annual Golden Globe Awards, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, 29th January 1983 | Source: Getty Images. Actor Mike Connors attends the Eighth Annual American Film Institute Golf Classic at the Riviera Country Club on September 19, 2005 in Brentwood, California. Old Hollywood Stars. Philippine-born actress Neile Adams lies on top of her husband, American actor Steve McQueen (1930-1980), on a deckchair next to the pool at their home, Palm Springs, Calif., May 1963. Connors was able to work with his boss Lucille Ball on-screen during a cross-promotion episode of herHeres Lucyseries in 1971. With that, he got into his car and drove home to his wife. After graduation he studied law for two years but his good looks and imposing presence attracted him to acting. After honing his skills in the UCLA drama department, Ohanian signed to theFamous Artist Agency, where he was handled by agentHenry Wilson. When he got home, he was shocked that his wife was already aware of what had transpired between him and Lana. Their son, beset by hallucinations starting in his teens, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and before his death lived in a small residential care facility. When he got home, he was shocked that his wife was already aware of what had transpired between him and Lana. Connors and his wife, Mary Lou, were married in 1949 and had two children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Dana. [31], Connors made a public-service announcement for the Armenian Eye Care Project. Seeing them together shed light on the kind of bond they shared. The death was announced by his son-in-law, Mike Condon, who told Variety that the actor had leukemia. Relationship Facts of Chuck Norris. He guest-starred on the earlysitcoms,Hey, Jeannie! [1] His father was an attorney and represented many Armenians who had little money and could not speak English. There he met a hairdresser he'd worked with before, and as they stood there talking, Lana sent a girl to ask for his name. He, though, lost it all following a positive doping scandal results. They weren't related but they did have some things in common! Between Mattews diagnosis and his demise, Marylou Connors and her husband became highly active in mental-disorder charities. Connors was 91-years-old. Connors won eight Grand Slam titles over his career and set a men's singles record of 109 titles in 1,557 matches. Jimmy Connors and wife Patti McGuire circa 1982 in New York City. Then-presidentLucille Ballpushed for CBS to keep the show on air by removing the high-tech computers and making Mannix an independent detective. The Remarkable story of Mannix- Mike Connors who died at 91; from UCLA basketball star to TV Star; recruited to be Mannix by Lucy Nov 28 [email protected] The remarkable story of Krekor Ohanian who became known as Mike Connors, the Star of the tv series Mannix, can happen only in America. ", In retrospect, Connors said the only negative thing to have happened to them was the loss of their son. They are very successful people in the business and the nights are a lot of laughs. Being a newbie in the industry, he would often visit actor friends at MGM and then various sets networking with whoever had time for him. Until 1957, Mike appeared in mainly low budget movies and TV anthologies, billed as 'Touch Connors' (an appellation he thoroughly disliked). [17], Connors starred as an undercover police officer who infiltrated organized crime in Tightrope! And his wife would frequently appear alongside him onscreen. Can you guess which of these 13 . The only thing he ever said about his wife was: "I'm the luckiest guy on the planet. During the first season of the series, Joe Mannix works for Intertect, a large Los Angeles detective agency run by his superior Lew Wickersham (Joseph Campanella). The hairdresser called him an idiot, asking him how he thought people got ahead in the business. A few weeks later, Lou said she would marry him. happily married for 68 years. With that, he got into his car and drove home to his wife. [22], Joe Mannix was an Armenian-American, like Connors. He was 91 https://t.co/lp58S3gItD pic.twitter.com/QJbnXmDlXW, Los Angeles Times (@latimes) January 27, 2017. He served in the Air Force during World War II and played basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles. 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. The ratings were lukewarm. He often spoke well of his wife, never once uttering a disparaging word about her. LOS ANGELES Mike Connors, who starred as a hard-hitting private eye on the long-running television series "Mannix," has died. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. Connors, however, reminded her that he had not been married long and was still in love with his wife. The couple would open up about their relationship, saying that a sense of humor was the best coping mechanism and bound them like superglue. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. At the time, she had dropped out of college and was home in Laguna Beach, where Connors was selling brushes and vacuum cleaners door to door to be close to her. When he got home, he was shocked that his wife was already aware of what had transpired between him and Lana. Connors brushed her off, saying hed have loved to, but he had an appointment and could not stay much longer. He did several films for Roger Corman for $400 a pop. [9], After Connors became an actor, his agent Henry Willson thought the name "Ohanian" was too similar to the actor George O'Hanlon and gave him the stage name "Touch Connors" based on his basketball nickname. As The Rifleman was wrapping up its run, Connors landed the lead role in United Artist's big-budget Western Geronimo. Powered by. He was 91. Joe Mannix was an Armenian-American, like Connors. He would later reprise the role of Joe Mannix in a 1997 episode ofDiagnosis: Murderand in the 2003 comedy filmNobody Knows Anything!. Connors and his wife, Mary Lou, were married in 1949 and had two children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Dana. The series ran for eight seasons from 1967 to 1975. After his sons diagnoses, Connors became active in charitable organizations for mental disorder patients. 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. Classic Hollywood. According to Daily Variety, the actor died of leukemia. Connors hosted the 1989 seriesCrimes of the Century. ``I think she opened new ground for a lot of people and allowed African-American actresses to be seen in a different light, ``Mannix star Mike Connors . Mike Connors Cause of Death: How Did the Mannix Star Die? [4][5][6], Connors was an avid basketball player in high school, nicknamed "Touch" by his teammates. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. | Source: Getty Images. The sponsor droppedTightrope! Between Mattews diagnosis and his demise, Connors became highly active in mental-disorder charities. Against all odds, he remained happily married to his wife for 67 years. Years later, as the star ofMannix, Mike Connors had a chance to flash his ball-handling skills and work alongside another UCLA legend. Mike Connors, who starred as a brawling L.A. private eye on the long-running CBS crime drama Mannix, died today of leukemia at a hospital in Tarzana, CA. Unfortunately for the couple, their son passed away from heart failure in 2007. American baseball player and actor Chuck Connors and his wife, Kamala Devi, arrive at actor Glenn Ford's . He was a spokesperson for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. [27], Connors had roles in the thriller films Avalanche Express (1979) and Nightkill (1980). He told them he was physically attracted to the. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The film was intended to be the pilot for a new ABC series titledOhanian, about an Armenian-American former homicide detective who is now a charter boat skipper. 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. Connors studied to become an attorney, like his father, and also went to law school. Theres an athletic and mysterious reason Mike Connors was once billed as Touch ConnorsThe Mannix star earned his early screen name on the basketball court. His real name was neither. He was nominated for the Golden Globe Award six times from 19701975 and was nominated for thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Seriesfour times from 19701973. According to reports, he died from complications of pneumonia and lung cancer. 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. Failed to subscribe, please contact admin. Tracey Bacus. Postscript: Mike Connors (1925-2017) Mike Connors, who had been born on August 15, 1925 in Fresno, California, died in Los Angeles on January 26, 2017, at age 91. Connors, however, reminded her that he had not been married long and was still in love with his wife. Not much is known about the active work she engaged in. Even though Chuck announced that his smoking has stopped in 1940, he occasionally reverted to it. or redistributed. 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'. Even then, Lou stuck with him, even when his mother and her friends disowned him, saying he would eventually come to his senses. 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. Connors still had the touch. Connors was born Krekor Ohanian, Jr. (Armenian: ), on August 15, 1925, in Fresno, California, to Armenian parents Krekor and Alice (ne Surabian) Ohanian. Mary Lou Willey Other - Spouse Why Famous: N/A Age: N/A Mary Lou Willey's Relationships (1) Mike Connors Entertainment - Actor Why Famous: Joe Mannix of Mannix Photo: Robin Platzer Source: Getty Images. Images: The Everett Collection. In an era when film actors were given names like Tab and Rock, he appeared as Touch Connors "Touch" being his basketball nickname. Episodes normally climaxed with a brawl that left the culprits bruised and beaten. With that, he left Laguna Beach and returned to school. andThe Peoples Choice. But Not Serious (1965), Stagecoach (1966), Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die (1966), and Too Scared to Scream (1985), which he also produced. [25], After his son's diagnosis, Connors became active in charitable organizations for mental-disorder patients. Tall, handsome Armenian-American Mike Connors had a minor career in the movies before becoming a star on the small screen as the impeccably dressed macho sleuth Joe Mannix. Mike Connors's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. They had been married for 67.3 years. Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. | Source: Getty Images. Hollywood Style. Between Mattews diagnosis and his demise, Connors became highly active in mental-disorder charities. Connors brushed her off, saying hed have loved to, but he had an appointment and could not stay much longer. Actor Mike Connors and wife Mary Lou at the Sportsman Lodge Luncheon on January 1 1977 | Source: Getty Images. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor) appeared inseason fours A Day Filled with Shadows. Early in the episode, Mannix follows a lead to a basketball court. He retold how he and Lou lived in a tiny apartment off Sunset Boulevard. After a basketball game, coachWilbur Johnsintroduced Connors to his friend, directorWilliam A. Wellman, who liked Connors voice and expressive face while he was playing basketball, and encouraged him to consider acting. [11], Connors's film career started in the early 1950s, when he made his acting debut in a supporting role opposite Joan Crawford and Jack Palance in the thriller Sudden Fear (1952). Bill, where he played under coach John Wooden. Their wedding ceremony was held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in 1987. About this time, he also appeared on an episode of NBCs Western seriesCimarron City. "It is with great sadness that we share the news of. Do what you can. However, Goldwyn never took up the option and Mike never appeared in any of his films (it turned out that his signing had been no more than leverage to bring Farley Granger back in line who was causing Goldwyn some trouble). Fisher died at a Los Angeles hospital Dec. 2 of kidney failure. Mary Lou Willey's relationship with Mike Connors ended when Mike Connors died on January 26, 2017. and The People's Choice and in two Rod Cameron syndicated crime dramas, City Detective and the Western-themed State Trooper, and played the villain in the first episode filmed (but second one aired) of ABC's smash hit Maverick, opposite James Garner in 1957. The documentary was nominated for two Emmys. Connors seems to have been in this mix. The Good Neighbor Sam actor always considered himself and Lou lucky to have lived the life they had. After thirteen years of marriage, the two divorced in 1961. 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. Her Zodiac sign was Capricon and she was an American National. Marylou died at the age of 90 in 2017 some few months after her lifelong partner Mike passed. And even with all the temptations that came with the territory, he remained devoted to his family. Tim Kenneally. Two years ago, sources reported that Crawford had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and the advocate for former child actors and . The episode, which opened Lucy's fourth season, is titled "Lucy and Mannix are Held Hostage". Their son, beset by hallucinations starting in his teens, was diagnosed with. In 1956, he played an Amalekite herder in Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments. 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. Another highlight was the theme music by legendary screen composer Lalo Schifrin. He recalls how Lana sent a girl to ask for his name. In 1970, Connors won theGolden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama. He raised $117,000 for the film. There, he would cross paths with a college basketball coaching legend and get his big break on the hardwood. So, how much is Marylou Connors worth at the age of 95 years old? He spoke three languages:Armenian,English, andFrench. He went from being the son of immigrant parents to UCLA basketball star (Touch Connors) to television star of Mannix after being recruited by Lucille Ball to star in the Desilu series. Connors and his wife, Mary Lou, were married in 1949 and had two children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Dana. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. [2] Connors spoke three languages: Armenian, English, and French. They had two children, a son, Matthew Gunnar Ohanian (b. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sadly, at age 15, Matthew was diagnosed with schizophrenia and ultimately had to be institutionalized., Actor Mike Connors attends the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Primetime Television Crimefighters panel discussion at the Leonard H Goldenson Theatre on November 1, 2010 in North Hollywood, California. When she wouldn't give in, Connors gave her an ultimatum. Connor would say: "Most of our friends that we go to dinner with are all people with great humor. We bring to you daily trends in Ghana and all around the world. Browse 18 mike connors wife stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Mannixwas not cancelled due to bad ratings and remained a hit show even in its final season. TOUCH CONNORS Bostick, the screen declares. Connors death comes on the heels of the passing of Hollywood television icon, Mary Tyler Moore, who died earlier in the week after battling pneumonia. Mike Connors told how he and his wife Marylou Connors lived in a tiny apartment off Sunset Boulevard. [30], Connors died in Tarzana, California, at the age of 91 on January 26, 2017, a week after being diagnosed with leukemia.[1][34]. The duo also shared the screen in other works such as Branded, Broken Sabre and Cowboy in Africa before their divorce in 1973. Follow along on their journey. He guest-starred on the early sitcoms, Hey, Jeannie! When she was proving too tough, Connors gave her an ultimatum. An Evening with Muhammad Ali and Friends at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, on November 16 2000 | Source: Getty Images. He recalls how he faced temptations but chose to remain faithful to his wife because he loved her. | Source: Getty Images. LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Gail Fisher, who won an Emmy as secretary Peggy Fair on the 1970s TV series ``Mannix, has died at 65. Matthew predeceased his father, dying of heart failure in 2007. He co-starred withRobert Redfordin one of his earliest film roles, theWorld War IIblack comedySituation Hopeless But Not Serious(1965), in which Connors and Redford played American soldiers taken prisoner by a German villager played byAlec Guinness. Being a newbie in the industry, he would often visit actor friends at MGM and then various sets networking with whoever had time for him. In 1963, he guest-starred as Jack Marson in the episode Shadow of the Cougar on the NBC modern Western series,Redigo, starringRichard Egan. But besides a successful film career, the star also had a unique marriage, one of the very few in Hollywood that stood the test of time and weathered 67 years of temptation. [21], Connors became best known for playing the private investigator Joe Mannix in the detective series Mannix. Connors performed his own stunts on the series. His wife and daughter along with his son-in-law supported him to fight cancer. But then I stopped playing and began doing interviews with the players at the ball park. (19591960) and Today's FBI (19811982). I'd sign any contract they gave me. Connors played the card shark in the remake ofStagecoach(1966). [24], He later reprised the role of Joe Mannix in a 1997 episode of Diagnosis: Murder and in the 2003 comedy film Nobody Knows Anything! Connors was a cousin of French-Armenian singerCharles Aznavour. [1], Mannix remained a hit show through its final season. (19591960) andTodays FBI(19811982). He was a guest at the 2014 Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention. He was a spokesperson for theNational Alliance on Mental Illness. It was more a show about an all-round normal human being. Despite studying law, Mike Connors decided he would become an actor. Follow along on their journey. He was 91. The death was announced by his son-in-law, Mike Condon, who told Variety that the actor had leukemia. While Mike Connors was not new to the screens when he started in "Mannix" between 1967 and 1975, the Joe Mannix character became his defining role, throwing him to unprecedented fame and winning him a Golden Globe Award in 1970. He is one of only 13 athletes in the history of American professional sports to have played in both Major League Baseball (Brooklyn Dodgers 1949, Chicago Cubs, 1951) and the National Basketball Association (Boston Celtics 1946-48). Ramon Hervey II Was Married to Wife Vanessa Williams. Connors himself performed the stuntwork of dangling from a rope ladder attached to a helicopter flying off theChrist the Redeemerstatue inRiowhen the local stuntman refused to do it. Connors performed his own stunts on the series. Their home in Encino was gorgeous, and you never felt like you were walking into a fancy house; it was a home. For him, his family was the most important thing. Each lasted one season. Hollywood Couples. [26]Through his daughter Dana, he has one granddaughter. Connors was cast in the critically acclaimedJohn Waynefilm,Island in the Skyin which he was a crewman on one of the search-and-rescue planes. The show was taken off the air due to a dispute between CBS and Paramount. The couple, married in 1949, "had two children: a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Dana." His son died before him after struggling with. Connors won a Golden Globe for his acting on the show, which ran from 1968 to 1975, Variety reported. I really married well. He once jokingly described himself as 'a frustrated song-and-dance man' who wound up typecast as a TV crime fighter. Lana was interested in him, and after he gave his name, Lana once again sent the girl to ask if Connors would love to have a drink with her in her dressing room. He had just made his film debut in Sudden Fear with Jack Palance and Joan Crawford. [25] Connors both starred in and produced the independent horror film Too Scared to Scream (1985). DuringWorld War II, he served as an enlisted man in theUnited States Army Air Forces.After the war, he attended theUniversity of California at Los Angeleson both a basketball scholarship and theG.I. He spoke Armenian in a number of episodes and often quoted Armenian proverbs. Jeff Connors's brother, Mike Connors, died on January 26, 2017 as he was 91 years old. Weve had a great life., In retrospect, Connors said the only negative thing to have happened to them was the loss of their son. Connors met his future wife, Mary Lou Willey, when they were still students at UCLA, where Connors studied law on an athletic scholarship while Lou was studying education. [25] They had two children, a son, Matthew Gunnar Ohanian, and a daughter, Dana Lee Connors. Mike Connors Birth Name: Krekor llevado Ohanian Occupation: TV Actor Place Of Birth: Fresno Date Of Birth: August 15, 1925 Date Of Death: January 26, 2017 Cause Of Death: N/A Ethnicity: White Nationality: American Mike Connors was born on the 15th of August, 1925. I really married well. 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. It is with deep sadness that we report the untimely passing of a good man, Jeff Connors, one of four sons born to actor Chuck Connors. On the popular television program, Connors played a detective turned private eye named Joe Mannix, who was assisted by his secretary Peggy, a role played by Gail Fisher. "Up until Mannix, most private investigators were hard-nosed, cynical guys who lived in a seedy area and had no emotions," Connors theorized in 1997. Connors had four sons, The three of them namely Michael, Jeffrey, and Kevin died. Connors was offered to become the new Perry Mason actor, but the producers had actually wanted to pressure Burr into re-signing his contract with the series. Chuck Connors had a first son named Mike. He narratedJ. Michael Hagopians 1975 documentary filmThe Forgotten Genocide, one of the first full-length features on theArmenian Genocide. And in terms of his career, my guess is that, in the big scheme of things, his son's illness probably took precedence.". Connors, of Armenian descent and a World War II veteran, was born Krekor Ohanian in 1925, the New York Daily News reported. For him, his family was the most important thing. During the first season of the series, Joe Mannix works for Intertect, a large Los Angeles detective agency run by his superior Lew Wickersham (Joseph Campanella). Connors married Mary Lou Willey in 1949; together they had a son, Matthew Gunner Ohanian, and a daughter, Dana Lou Connors. Connors was bornKrekor Ohanian in Fresno, California. [2] He was considered for the role of Tarzan by casting director Ruth Burch, who found him an acting coach. Anyway, Connors is one of 13 athletes to play in the MLB and NBA. [30], He played Colonel Harrison "Hack" Peters in the 1988 miniseries War and Remembrance. When "Mannix" was revised the office acquired a secretary, played by African-American actress Gail Fisher. Mike is 64 years old in 2020. Mike Connors met his future wife, MaryLou Willey when they were both students at UCLA. ", 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. Many notable names guested in the show, some at very beginning of their careers (Diane Keaton and Martin Sheen, among others). 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. The series only lasted one season.Connors both starred in and produced the independent horror filmToo Scared to Scream(1985). They would either get married or call off their relationship. A few weeks later, Lou said she would marry him. Connors was aRepublican. Mike Connors and Mary Lou Connors at ROAST THIS! Alma Sharpe: What happened to Troy Donahues ex-wife.