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BORN

1925

DIED

2017

Mike Connors Obituary

Mike Connors, the B-movie actor who found stardom on the long-running detective series "Mannix," died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, in Tarzana, California, according to multiple news sources. He was 91.

The death was announced by his son-in-law, Mike Condon, who told Variety that the actor had leukemia.

Connors played the private investigator Joe Mannix on the CBS television series that ran from 1967 to 1975.

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Connors was born Krekor Ohanian Aug. 15, 1925, in Fresno, California. He was of Armenian descent. He served during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Forces. After the war, he attended the University of California at Los Angeles on a basketball scholarship. His basketball coach was the legendary UCLA coach John Wooden.

It was during his college basketball career that a director, William Wellman, noticed Connors' strong facial expressions and encouraged him to start an acting career.

After the actor had played a character named Touch Connors on a TV show and in movies during the 1950s, a talent agent suggested that name as his stage name -- so as not to be confused with the actor George O'Hanlon.

Connors' early film credits included "Island in the Sky," which starred John Wayne, and Cecil B. DeMille's blockbuster "The Ten Commandments," in which he played a shepherd alongside Charlton Heston.

During the mid-to-late '50s, Connors turned to television, appearing on such TV series as "Frontier," "City Detective," "State Trooper," and "Maverick."

He later had a starring role on "Tightrope!" from 1959 to 1960, which led to "Mannix" beginning in 1967. After "Mannix," he starred on the short-lived "Today's F.B.I.," which ran from 1981 to 1982.

Connors continued to act on TV as well as in films from the 1985 to 2003 including the films "Too Scared To Scream" (1985), "Fist Fighter" (1989), "Downtown Heat" (1994), "Gideon" (1998) and "The Extreme Adventures of Super Dave" (2000). He reprised his role as Joe Mannix in the 2003 comedy film "Nobody Knows Anything!"

Connors returned to TV in 2007 to appear in an episode of "Two and a Half Men."

His wife of 67 years, Mary Lou Wells, survives him along with a daughter and a granddaughter.
Published by Hoopeston Chronicle on Jan. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Mike Connors

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253 Entries

Alan

June 26, 2025

Mannix was one of my inspirations. I bought a color tv with my paper route to watch him and The Man From UNCLE. God bless Mike Connors.

Linda Hendrick

September 21, 2023

I would get up at night on Saturday to watch Mannix. My parents were in bed. I had the tv to myself. I enjoyed watching Mannix. Loved the show. Sorry to hear of Mr. Connors passing. A very talented and handsome man. RIP to him. Blessings to his family. Thank you for your talent and sharing it with fans

DAN RIVERS

July 25, 2023

I enjoy watching MANNIX... Mike was the right man to play the role. My sincere sympathies to his wife & Family . Rest in Peace You did a great job.

Donna Walston

June 9, 2023

One Impeccable Man....Mike,you really don't know how much you are missed....Mannix is still on every night at 2am on METV... Try not to miss a episode...God has the Best...We love you Ole Joe .....from Nashville NC...

Mary lou buoymaster

March 5, 2023

Will these get to the family

Mary Lou Colaizzi buoymaster

February 17, 2023

My husband and I watched Mannix all the time so much time has passed to even think that Mike was 91 years old. I believe that he was a good soul. He was a devoted to his family loyal to his wife, with true love, seem to be very kind and generous. I want you to get my condolences to his family his daughter, his granddaughter, his son-in-law, may God help you get through this sorrowful time just some trivia. My name is Mary lou and they were married in 1949 when I was born. God bless you.

Charlie Salcido

February 17, 2023

Mike Conners Mannix my condolences to the Family I still look at Mannix today 2:05 MEETV great show wish I would of met him. I was born in Aug too.

Sarah M

January 26, 2023

On what is the 6th year anniversary of your passing I can’t help but feel sad! When I watch Mannix it’s like I’m a 17 year old again with my first big crush!
Then as an adult to find out you were always such a kind, considerate, warm person just like your character Joe Mannix. As the beginning of your show says”Mike Connors IS Mannix!”
You are once again reunited with your beloved son Matthew and now Mary Lou is with you too! May you RIP Krekor Ohanian!

L. Crisp

January 17, 2023

Loved the man I´d show. I met his Daughter at ft. Lewis college in Colorado when I was working there and I processed his personal check for tuition. She looked so much like her Dad. Great gal.

A Fan

January 7, 2023

I loved Mike Connors! He was so handsome and I loved him as Mannix. I watch reruns of the show even now on MeTv. He had a good, long run it seems. Rest in peace, Krekor.

Kathy Urrely

April 12, 2022

I loved Mike Connors. He was so galant. He was a real gentleman so sad you dint see men like this today. He was truly the measure of a man. I hope that he´s in heaven

Gary Saraceno

April 6, 2022

He was a huge hero of mine. A great man

Debra Jeffers

February 22, 2022

he was kind of man every young girl dreams of meeting shame arent any around

Kathy Urrely

January 30, 2022

I loved Mike Connors. He was so handsome & Chivalrous & galant. There are sadly no men like that anymore. Mannix was my favorite show as a kid, & now as an old lady, I just think he was the best. So sorry for his family. Such a big loss.

RONALD EVELAND

January 4, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

RONALD EVELAND

January 4, 2022

REST IN PEACE MIKE

Robin Giacchetta

January 26, 2021

Remembering the beautiful Mike Connors on this day. May he rest in eternal peace and may God bless his family.

Kristen

December 17, 2020

My brother who passed at a young age 30+ years ago LOVED Mannix the show. He was born in 1966. I called him Cheddix cause his name was Chester. He loved the show, and more importantly, everything about the show, I.e his clothes his car, his way about him ..a GOOD MAN. He was a great role model, and the fact that Miss Peggy was his assistant and the fact that there were people of color with professional jobs on the show WAS HUGE for the time! He seemed like he was perfect for that role....loved it, and him! Thank you God for Mike Connors. So sorry for your loss! Happy to see that he had a long life, who was married to the same lady for almost 70 years. The fact that he was Armenian makes it even better! We love you Mike, you are definitely with the big man upstairs. Every time I watch an episode it re.inds me of my brother and just how much he live Mannix and Mike.

Ed & Elaine Carney

November 2, 2020

We love the Mannix TV series, we watch them all the time. At least they are decent TV shows.

Jack.C

October 29, 2020

I just discovered the TV show Mannix on YouTube starring Mike Connors. What a great show and great leading actor. I binged watch the entire series in a few weeks.
Mike Connors was excellent playing that roll. Wish there was alot more of him to watch. He will be greatly missed.

Robin Giacchetta

August 2, 2020

I'm so sad even now and it's 2020. First crush! There was something about him. Wish I could have met him. Prayers to his family.

Tommy Hargrove

July 4, 2020

Great guy. Real man. Loved and respected other people of other races, and proved it during MANNIX tv series run.Hope to see in in Heaven.

May 18, 2020

Very handsome man, married to one spouse all his life and lived a long life.

Ellen Rowland

July 18, 2019

Still watch Mannix on METV every night at 2am and record it to watch later too. I'm 64 now and he was one of my heart throbs. GOD bless him and his family!

Sondra Celese

February 20, 2019

I grew up watching Mannix with my dad who passed away in 1998. I still watch it today on ME TV. It takes me back to very fond memories of my father. Although I was a young girl of about 10 when I watched it, Mannix was my first "crush". He was very handsome. I loved his warm relationship with "Peggy". He was a very good actor and seemed to be a very kind person. I will watch Mannix for the rest of my life. May he rest in God's memory and await the resurrection.

Lewis Blain

January 10, 2019

You are the greatest

Herbie Simmons

January 6, 2019

R. I. P Mike aka Mannix loved the show even more the second time around.

Robert Aroian

December 26, 2018

Enjoyed his show as kid growing up with my dad

B Arden

December 12, 2018

R.I.P. Mannix

Karen Carney

November 24, 2018

I love me some Maddox it's on TV now on m e t Channel and I love this fine man and I like the way he dressed

cynthia kennie

November 17, 2018

Just love him, watched him when I was a teen and now watch as a senior. He was mannix to me and the world. RIP Mr Connors.

A fan

October 5, 2018

He is absolutely hilarious in "Good Neighbor Sam". Like everyone else, I enjoy the series. Rest in peace.

Carol Muka

September 6, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cindy Lou Stevens

July 4, 2018

To his Family: He was a Great Actor! It brought joy to watch Mannix when it started in 1967 and Im still watching it now on Memorable Entertainment TV channel.God Bless!

May 16, 2018

Miss you. Loved Mannix You were great actor. I still watch your shows on DVD.

John Phillips

Mark Lewis

May 15, 2018

Great Man, Terrific show! He brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. God Bless Him!

Joseph and Sara Bonjokian

November 8, 2017

November 8, 2017 To the Connors/Ohanian family--Mike Connors was a talented actor, a devoted Armenian and a true American. He will be missed.

August 5, 2017

The best serial for me ever in Belgium, Mannix and great performance , my child time ...
Rik Van Impe

Michael Eubanks

July 5, 2017

I was lucky to have met him twice; once in the parking lot of the Joey Bishop Show in Hollywood. And, once on the Paramount Lot watching him filming a driving scene for Mannix.

Both times I found him to be welcoming and gracious to his fans; I'm happy to say I was one of them.

John A. Cooney

June 30, 2017

GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY.. REST IN PEACE MIKE... WATCHED MANNIX RELIGIOUSLY...

Ahmad Ansar

June 22, 2017

I loved his show Mannix and I still watch it in 2017 on DVD. I was 11 years old when Mr. Connors show started. Now at 60 I am still watching my favorite detective and one of my favorite actors.
Mr. ConnorsRIP!

Carolyn

June 7, 2017

I was just watching an episode of Mannix on MeTv and was wondering what happen to Mike Connors. I checked it out and was sorry to read of his passing. Mannix was on TV the year after I finished high school. I always thought Mike was so very fine. I know the Lord will continue to watch over his family. RIP Mike

M

May 23, 2017

This was the Man I watched on TV Mannix it was a great show. How sad it is when Celebertys has too pass on like this. I in joy them very dear too my heart. All my Prayers too his Family even Gail who was his Scraper how wonderful she was too.

Cathy Logan

May 18, 2017

I was just a child with an autographed black and white photo of him taped inside my closet door. In those days you could send away for a free signed photo of a star so I did. Now every morning and after school I'd see Mannix in my closet. I guess you can say this private eye became my private friend. I had no idea he was my dad's age. He hadn't an age. He was this rugged sweet hero with this cool half grin they called Joe Mannix. Mike Connors was a natural actor with wonderful expressions which said a thousand words. He seemed like such a nice person too. So 40 years later and I'm enjoying his shows again on MeTV. He was a part of my childhood that came back to life. Thank you Mike Connors for the all the lasting memories!

Nazarene McKinney

March 11, 2017

Great actor!

Roger M. Angress

March 10, 2017

Mr. Connors will be missed, but always remembered. He was truly a trooper & very fine actor. 'Mannix' is a legend. GOD Bless him for standing up for his Armenian heritage & keeping the true history of the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide from 1915-1922 for all to remember the 1.5 million who were systematically murdered by the Turks at the time. May God keep his family in Christ our Lord for always. ...Grew up with 'Mannix' I will be watching newly released series on DVD. GOD-speed RMA Bakersfield, Ca....

March 8, 2017

Mike has been memorialized in these messages by people who admired him. He was a very special gentleman to all who followed his career. May he now rest in heavenly peace. Jane M.

Joe Cooper

March 6, 2017

Great man

February 28, 2017

To Mike's family: He was a beloved member of your family and he was also loved by many admirers who have followed his career. May you find some comfort in these myriad of messages. Barbara S.

February 27, 2017

Mike is a legendary talent who entertained millions of people. He will always be known for his outstanding acting as Mannix. Mike will be missed by his many fans. An Admirer

February 26, 2017

Admirers of Mike continue to write their thoughts on this remarkable man. His talents will forever be remembered. Marsha H.

G.R. Self

G.R. Self

February 25, 2017

February 25, 2017

To the Connors' family: May you still be surrounded by friends to help you through this very difficult time. Mike was loved by his many admirers which they have expressed through these messages. Barbara M.

Pamela Sullivan

February 25, 2017

I watched his show Mannix growing up I grew up in Redondo Beach, CA Watching this show now takes me back to my youth. I enjoy watching on ME TV channel 12 now in 2017. RIP Mike Connors

February 24, 2017

Through these loving messages for Mike, his admirers have expressed their sincere feelings for this legend. This beloved gentle man will always be remembered. DM

February 23, 2017

To the Connors' family: Mike is now an angel who will be forever in your hearts. Mike was adored by all who followed his career. He was a very talented actor and he was a special gentleman. A Fan

February 22, 2017

Mike made his tv character Mannix a hit by his excellent acting. He made every role he performed other than Mannix believable because of his outstanding talent. Mike will forever be in the thoughts and prayers of his admirers. Jane M.

February 21, 2017

Mr. Connors was a beloved entertainer. His loss is felt by his family and all of his fans. RIP Mike-- Donna A.

February 20, 2017

With Mike's messages continuing to grow, may his family find some comfort in them. He was a beloved legend and was a gentle man. A Fan

February 19, 2017

The Connors' family and the world have lost a beloved man. These many, many loving messages for Mike, prove how much he was admired. Dawn M.

February 18, 2017

Mike has long been retired, but it hasn't made a difference to his fans. These loving messages reflect that Mike was forever in the hearts of his admirers. He will always be remembered AJ

fred bradley

February 17, 2017

i enjoyed mike connors in Tightrope and Mannix series-i bought both and i can watch each of them when i want.thank you for your professional acting. fred bradley-

Sharon Blanton

February 17, 2017

Mannix was my hero and my dad and I never missed an episode. May he rest in peace.

Mrs. Mary Lou; you, your daughter and granddaughter will be in my prayers!

February 17, 2017

Mannix was an enormous hit for Mike because he was a great talent. His appearances in other roles were memorable too. Mike will not only be missed by his family, but by his many admirers. Pat D.

February 16, 2017

Mike will always be remembered for his hit tv show Mannix. He was an excellent actor in every role he performed. Mike's acting talent had no limits and he was a special gentle man. Mary M.

February 16, 2017

I enjoyed his show for years and I still do
.He was a handsome man and a good actor. Rip Mr. Mike Connors/ Mannix

February 15, 2017

To the Connors' Family: Your beloved Mike will forever be in your hearts. He is now at rest and your angel in heaven. Dawn M.

February 14, 2017

Think even more of him now knowing that he was married to the same woman for 60 plus years!

February 14, 2017

These loving messages for Mike only prove how much this gentleman was admired. His family will miss their beloved husband and father, but they should also know many others feel their loss. Barbara M

February 13, 2017

To Mike's family: Your beloved Mike will be missed by his many, many admirers too. He was an actor who excelled in his craft. Mike had a large fan base, as reflected in these loving messages. AJ

flora clark

February 13, 2017

rest in peace my Hero

February 12, 2017

Amazing person, actor and father. Mannix a great show and a handsome Armenian actor form my hometown. SO proud of his
achievements.

February 12, 2017

Mike will forever be the thoughts and prayers of his many, many fans. His family's loss is felt throughout this world. May Mike now rest in peace---MM

Susan

February 11, 2017

Sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Conners. I enjoyed watching him on Mannix. Condolences to the family.

February 11, 2017

Mannix was a great tv show because of Mike. He made the character believable through his excellent acting. May his family know from these loving messages, that many people will miss Mike. Bill M.

February 10, 2017

As one of Mike's many admirers, his lost is like loosing a good friend. Over the years, he was a weekly visitor in my home. Mike was someone you felt you knew and you enjoyed his company. He will be missed --Just one of his many fans

Rick Rothermel

February 9, 2017

Thank you so much Mike, for so many hours of great entertainment, and thanks for being a 'real guy' as well! Travel on and rest well.

February 9, 2017

May Mike rest in eternal peace. He was a legendary actor who will always be remembered for his outstanding talent. His family's loss is shared by many, many people who also loved this gentle man. Barbara M.

Dea

February 9, 2017

May the comfort that God gives uplift and strengthen and provide the needed support that Family and friends will need now and the days ahead. So sorry for your loss.

John A. Cooney

February 8, 2017

GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY.. REST IN PEACE MIKE... WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU IN MANNIX...

February 8, 2017

Mike's loss to his family and his fans is very sad, but he will forever be remember by all. He was an outstanding talent who entertained millions in his performance. An Admirer

Peggy Morin

February 7, 2017

Peggy Morin

February 7, 2017

Peggy Stoute Morin

Dee Jenkins

February 7, 2017

I am deeply saddened for your loss. I always enjoyed his acting. He seemed like a very nice man.

Sincerely
Dee jrnkins

February 7, 2017

All these messages of love for Mike continue to reflect how much this gentle man was admired. Mike will always be in the thoughts and prayers of many. Tom M.

Julie Huggins

February 6, 2017

Losing Mike Connors feels like loosing a close friend. My sincere condolences to wife Mary Lou, daughter Dana, her husband and children.

I pray for God to give you the strength for the difficult days ahead.

What a blessing it is for all of us to have him immortalized on film.

God Bless.

February 6, 2017

Mike will be forever in the memories of his fans. He was known worldwide as a great actor. It's time for Mike to rest in peace. An Admirer

Berdj J. Rassam

February 6, 2017

This is indeed very sad news. We all enjoyed watching his acting and so many benefited from his work off the screen as well. RIP

February 5, 2017

Mike was an handsome gentleman and an outstanding talent. He will continue to be in the hearts and thoughts of his family, friends, and fans. He truly deserves all these messages of love. Mary T.

JC

February 5, 2017

I loved the "Mannix" TV Series. With deepest sympathy on the lose of your loved one. May it comfort you to know that Mike will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised at Job 33:25.

Betty Bethea

February 4, 2017

I always looked at Joe Mannix in growing up brought back so many great memories on TV.Last night,ironically, Mannix was on our ME TV channel, and I looked at the episode.What memories of what a great actor Mike Connors was, and also, in the TV series Tightrope. To the Connors family, I wish to say from all his fans over the years, thank you for sharing him and his many God-given talents with us, and may he live in our memories forever. God Bless You, Mrs. Connors and family. Betty Starnes Bethea Matthews, N. C.

Betty Brown

February 4, 2017

""RIP MANNIX.

February 4, 2017

To the Connors'Family: Your beloved Mike was also loved by his many admirers. All of these messages reflect just how much Mike was loved and respected. May you find some peace in these messages for your Mike. A Fan

Georgia Velasquez

February 3, 2017

I love watching the show he was good i am so sorry for your loss

Mark Smith

February 3, 2017

Thank You Krekor

Bruce Terstegge

February 3, 2017

Watching Mike on the Mannix TV series was part of my youth. The years were full of an era of great TV detective series and Mannix was one of the best.

Gerry Huntley

February 3, 2017

Never missed Mannix in my younger days. Also liked Mike's role in "Harlow" with Carol Baker. He had presence and was a great actor. We will miss you, Mike.

Mary Reiland

February 3, 2017

Rest in peace Mr.Connors. Mannix is one of my all time favorite shows and my husband and I purchased the series on DVD and watch it often. My deepest sympathy to your loved ones; you will always be in my heart.

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