George Hamilton is an American actor who was active in the second half of the 20th century. The artist worked for almost half a century as an idol of the Hollywood screen and television and became one of the most recognizable faces of world popular culture. Born on August 12, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee, he gained huge success with an actor's portrait typical of Hollywood: a charming smile, a bright suit, a bronze skin tone and an aristocratic appearance. However, the artist managed not to succumb to typecasting, which helped him build a long-lasting brand around his image.
Early screen success
The first steps of the actor on the silver screen were taken in the late 1950s. So, in the film "Crime and Punishment, U.S.A." (1959), George Hamilton gained his first screen role. At the beginning of the 1960s, the actor became recognizable due to the film "Where the Boys Are" (1960). This youth-oriented romantic film defined Hamilton's screen image. Nevertheless, the 1960s brought Hamilton other roles as well - Hamilton played in "Home from the Hill" (1960) and "By Love Possessed" (1961). So, at that time the actor proved that the image which he created was not a stereotype as he was capable of taking on different dramatic roles. Further, the actor played in the sophisticated romantic comedy "The Light in the Piazza" (1962) and in the films "The Victors" (1963) and "Your Cheatin' Heart" (1964). The last-named work shows how successfully Hamilton could move from the roles of handsome leading men to the heroes of another screen tradition - the heroes of the music world. The 1960s also enriched his CV with the film "Viva Maria!" (1965).
Playing with his image
As a result, by the end of the 1970s George Hamilton had become famous in comedies. For example, Hamilton took the part of Dracula in the parody film "Love at First Bite" (1979). Hamilton played Dracula as an archetypal movie star full of elegant charm. In 1981 the actor appeared again on the screen in the comedy "Zorro, the Gay Blade". Again, George Hamilton appeared as a swashbuckler but here the actor used witty jokes and humorous dialogue to mock traditions of romantic screen images. This choice proved its validity as Hamilton succeeded not only in selling the glamour image but also in making the audience smile as the actor was able to understand exactly how much charm was needed for this part. Hamilton became especially skillful in creating heroes of romantic comedies: handsome, self-loving and vain people, whose manner was a little ridiculous but who were always likable and attractive to viewers. It was important, as Hamilton could create a connection with the spectator. Thus, Hamilton could use in his performance his tuxedo-bronze public image, which was a part of the comedy, instead of trying to conceal it. Moreover, the comedian managed to present it in such a way as to create the feeling of self-satisfaction instead of mockery.
Later work and legacy
The later years of Hamilton reflect the general trend of Hollywood cinema - many stars become famous not by disappearing into roles but by their ability to become recognizable screen presences themselves. Hamilton belonged to these people. No matter whether the actor participated in a drama, a satire or even in a short cameo, Hamilton had to show the same recognizable combination of charm and elegance. Thus, the star was convenient for film producers as his presence guaranteed the interest of the audience. As Hamilton showed variety in different genres and at the same time did not change his recognizable screen image, he was able to make his portrait immortal in the memory of his fans.
Thus, George Hamilton is one of the few stars who managed not to vanish among their numerous film projects and to maintain their public image in spite of changes in taste. For readers of his biography this peculiarity of the actor is important as his career is connected with the development of the whole era of the Hollywood screen art.