American actor, George Maharis was not married to anyone at the time of his death. Some sources shared that he was gay, therefore, he did not have any woman as his romantic partner. He also did not marry anyone.
His sexual orientation reportedly contributed to his exit from the Route 66 series. However, he stated that he left the show due to health-related issues.
“I have to protect my future. I keep going at the present pace, I’m a fool. Even if you have $4 million in the bank, you can’t buy another life,” he said in an interview in 1963.
However, producers of the show also argued that Maharis’ excuse was invalid and that he broke his contract because he wanted to shoot other movies. And also the producers, “felt betrayed and duped when they learned of Maharis’ sexual orientation, and never trusted him again.”
They added that “in a less homophobic era, they might have communicated better, and worked things out.” His departure saw a decline in the show’s appeal.