Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the fascinating life of actor Mike Connors, the man who became an iconic figure in television history as Joe Mannix. Born Krekor Ohanian, this incredible journey of identity and transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Imagine starting out as a basketball star nicknamed “Touch” for his court skills, then becoming an actor who redefined the genre of detective dramas with his portrayal of the gritty, no-nonsense private eye Joe Mannix. Before he even stepped into the shoes of Mannix, Connors had already lived a life full of reinvention and determination.
From Krekor Ohanian to Mike Connors: A Journey of Reinvention
In 1952, The Fresno Bee captured the early life of this future star, describing Krekor Ohanian as someone who leveraged his basketball talents to land roles in Hollywood. Back in Fresno High School, Ohanian made a name for himself as a basketball standout. He went on to study law and pursue his passion for basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles. It was during this time that fate intervened. Agent Harry Willson discovered him and suggested a name change to "Touch Connors," believing it would help in his rise to fame with a catchy slogan like, “He’ll Touch the Top.” But life had other plans for Krekor. He eventually embraced the name "Mike Connors," a decision that would pave the way for one of the most memorable characters in television history.
The Rise of Mannix: A Show That Made History
Fast forward to 1967, and we find Mike Connors starring as Joe Mannix, the hard-boiled private investigator in the classic TV series Mannix. This show, produced by Lucille Ball and Desilu Productions, aired on the MeTV network and ran for eight seasons until 1975. It was an era when television was just beginning to explore the complexities of characters and storylines, and Mannix stood out as a trailblazer. Interestingly, Lucille Ball was also responsible for green-lighting other iconic shows like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. These were all shows that pushed boundaries, and Mannix was no exception.
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Mike Connors Talks About the Real Mannix
Before Mannix premiered, Mike Connors shared his thoughts with the Independent Star-News. He revealed that while he had read countless detective scripts, Mannix stood out as something truly special. "Joe Mannix wasn't just another super-sleuth," Mike said. "He was real. He bled. He perspired. He should have been born 50 years earlier. He wasn't pretty. Sometimes he was vicious. He played by his own rules." Connors was particularly drawn to Mannix's environment in the first season, where he worked for the ultra-modern detective organization, Intertect. In a world where everyone dressed the same and computers did half the work, Mannix stood out like a sore thumb. Yet, he was accepted because he was an exceptional investigator. Mike respected this character deeply, and he believed the audience would too.
Connors also expressed his admiration for the series' creator, Bruce Geller, known for his work on Mission: Impossible. "Geller didn't compromise on Mission, and he brought that same imaginative flair to Mannix. That's why I'm in the homicide business," Mike joked, highlighting the realism and drama that made the show so compelling.
Scroll down to uncover even more fascinating details about Mike Connors and his incredible career.
