George Chakiris: Background Dancer to Oscar Glory | The Rest of the Story | Ep 10

In this episode of The Rest of the Story on Hey, Dancer!, I’m diving into George Chakiris, a guy who started as a background dancer behind stars like Marilyn Monroe and Rosemary Clooney.

Then he landed a major role in London’s West Side Story, hired by Jerome Robbins. That took him to Hollywood and a rare, dance-driven Oscar win.

It’s a story of hard work and a big break. Want to know how a chorus dancer made it to the top? Join me to hear this legend’s journey unfold.

Conceived, starring, written, and researched by: Miller Daurey
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All credit for the clips used in the video (names are YouTube handles):

11 sec: vividhistory2092
1:06 min: selias21
1:20 min: TheOldTimeyChannel
3:10 min: devroshart
3:35 min: dantanasgirl
4:00 min: scenesfromyourworld2503
4:26 min: TheClockedLoiterer
4:34 min: rokrchicky
4:43 min: oldmusicalsdaily
6:07 min: HuntleyFilmArchives
7:09 min: TheEdSullivanShow
8:16 min: vividhistory2092
8:59 min: breatheinlife5167
9:27 min: MOVIECLIPS
10:12 min: Oscars
11:04 min: jws81863
11:41 min: inachansons
11:51 min: georgechakiris529
14:14 min: BionicBuzz
14:42 min: ChuckPenn3

This content complies with the provisions of Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, which allows for the use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. The materials presented in this video, including excerpts from TV shows, films, podcasts, and other media, are used to provide commentary, critique, and analysis in a transformative manner, consistent with Fair Use principles.

I do not claim ownership of any third-party material included in this video, such as music, footage, or audio clips. Their inclusion is strictly for the purpose of education, critique, and commentary and is not intended to infringe upon the rights of the copyright holders.

Films with Clips:

“West Side Story (1961, United Artists)”
“White Christmas (1954, Paramount Pictures)”
“The Carol Burnett Show (CBS)”

Referenced Movies (Many with Clips):

“The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953, Columbia Pictures)” — SAG card gig.
“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953, 20th Century Fox)” — chorus role.
“Give a Girl a Break (1953, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)” — with Debbie Reynolds.
“Brigadoon (1954, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)” — Scottish sword dance.
“There’s No Business Like Show Business (1954, 20th Century Fox)” — with Ethel Merman (e.g., “A Sailor’s Not a Sailor”).
“Song of Love (1947, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)” — early choir cameo.
“The Great Caruso (1951, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)” — uncredited dancer.
“Stars and Stripes Forever (1952, 20th Century Fox)” — ballroom dancer.
“Diamond Head (1962, Columbia Pictures)” — post-Oscar lead.
“The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967, Parc Film/Madeleine Films)” — with Gene Kelly.
“Flight from Ashiya (1964, United Artists)” — Japan gig.