Summary Why Did George Maharis Quit Route 66?

George Maharis, known for his role as the brooding Buz Murdock on Route 66, passed away at the age of 94. He had to leave the popular 1960s CBS series after being diagnosed with hepatitis.

While hepatitis played a role in Maharis’ departure from Route 66, the story is a bit more complex. The actor’s health struggles were intertwined with a contract dispute with the show’s producers. Maharis felt he was being overworked and wanted a change to his contract, which included a reduction in his workload. The producers were hesitant to agree, and the conflict escalated.

Ultimately, Maharis’ health issues became a catalyst for his exit. He was diagnosed with hepatitis, a condition that can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. This made it difficult for him to keep up with the demanding schedule of a television series.

In addition to his health, Maharis also expressed concerns about the direction of the show. He felt that his character, Buz Murdock, was becoming less interesting and that the show was losing its focus on the open road. He was also reportedly dissatisfied with the creative control he had over his character.

The combination of hepatitis, contractual disputes, and creative differences led to Maharis’ departure from Route 66 after just three seasons. His absence left a void in the show, but it also allowed him to pursue other opportunities, including roles in films like The “Honeymoon Killers” and “The “Carpetbaggers”.