Biografie

Was one of the tuxedoed male dancers surrounding Marilyn Monroe for the 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend' number in Blondinen bevorzugt (1953).

Was one of the male dancers in Weiße Weihnachten (1954). He particularly featured in the musical number "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" with Rosemary Clooney.

Performed the role of Riff, leader of the Jets, in the London stage production of "West Side Story" before winning the role of Bernardo, leader of the rival Sharks gang, in the film version (West Side Story (1961)).

In November of 2011 Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, held a : Hand and Footprint ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of West Side Story (1961) with co-stars Rita Moreno and Russ Tamblyn.

Often remembered as a "Latin Lover" type in Hollywood, but is actually the son of Greek immigrants.

[about his Oscar-winning role in West Side Story (1961)] I wouldn't mind even if it's the ONLY thing people remember me for. It was a privilege just to be there and to contribute to something so wonderful. The last scene still gets me every time. It still brings tears to my eyes.

Working with [Jerome] Robbins was the greatest experience I ever had, because it was Jerry who first showed me how a dancer could express himself in dancing rhythms and how an actor could intensify his dramatic performance with the graceful, expressive body movements of a dancer.

[on his studio contract] If they didn't have specific work by the pay deadline, they'd stick you in anything. So I wasn't always used well.

You do have to keep visible, but keeping visible with good material is very difficult.

The parallel between acting and making jewelry is quite similar. There is discipline, patience, persistence and dedication in making both successful.