Behind the Spotlight: Candace Savalas and Her Iconic Family

Updated on July 5th, 2025

Early Life and Acting Career of Candace Savalas

Born in 1963, Candace Savalas was raised in Hollywood’s golden age as Telly and Marilyn Gardner’s younger daughter. She debuted at 22 in Alice in Wonderland (1985), playing “The Lady in Waiting.” She later had six credited roles, including guest appearances on Tales from the Crypt (1989) and The Commish (1991), and notable roles in her father’s Kojak TV films (It’s Always Something, Flowers for Matty, Fatal Flaw, and The Price of Justice). Candace, despite her cinematic credentials, did not continue a high-profile acting career after the early 1990s. Public records show no marriages or children.

Candace retired from acting aged 30 in 1993, leaving a small yet diverse portfolio. Her decision to choose privacy over stardom sets her apart from her more public siblings. She supported family enterprises, including her father’s Kojak brand, while also working in independent television in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Telly Savalas: Father and Television Icon

Aristotle “Telly” Savalas (1922-1994) was widely recognised for his role as Detective Theo Kojak in Kojak (1973-1978), winning an Emmy (1974) and two Golden Globes (1975, 1976). He was nominated for an Academy Award for Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) and The Dirty Dozen (1967) before becoming a television star. During his 40-year career on theatre, cinema, and television, he amassed a $5 million net worth before his death at 72 from prostate cancer.

Telly’s personal life was equally noteworthy, with four long-term partnerships and six children. From eldest daughter Christina (b. 1950) to youngest daughter Ariana (b. 1987), his marriages and relationships formed the Savalas clan’s story, each with unique creative ambitions.

Christina Savalas Koussakis: Preserving a Hellenic Heritage

Christina Savalas (born 1950), Telly’s first daughter with Katherine Nicolaides, married John Peter Koussakis. Since the 1980s, she has been a behind-the-scenes power in production and direction. At 74 years old, she and her family received Greek citizenship in Los Angeles in March 2024, honouring her father’s legacy and ancestral roots.

Christina maintains a low‑profile life in Los Angeles, balancing family and production work. Her role in securing dual citizenship underscores her dedication to cultural preservation and filial homage.

Penelope Savalas: Private Life and Family Matriarch

Candace’s older full sister, Penelope Savalas (born 1961), is rarely seen. After marrying Christopher Boardman in 1990, they adopted a Russian son in 2000. After her husband’s 2005 death, Penelope has focused on family and philanthropy, rarely discussing her career.

Penelope’s familial focus contrasts with her siblings’ artistic careers, illustrating the diverse paths taken by Telly Savalas’s children.

Nicholas Savalas: The Elusive Half‑Brother

Born in 1973 to Telly Savalas and actress Sally Adams, Nicholas Savalas remains the most private of the siblings. His sole entertainment credit is a 1996 voice role in a cartoon special. Beyond this early foray, there are no records of subsequent acting work or public appearances.

Nicholas’s absence from show business suggests a deliberate choice to avoid public life, leaving little trace beyond genealogy listings.

Christian Leandros Savalas: Entrepreneurial Creativity

Christian Leandros Savalas, born circa 1985 to Telly and Julie Hovland, balances entrepreneurship with musical pursuits. Active on social media but without mainstream credits, he has produced independent music releases since 2010 and launched a boutique event‑planning venture in 2018.

Christian’s dual ventures reflect a modern amalgam of artistic and commercial acumen, though no net worth estimates are publicly reported.

Ariana Savalas: The Performing Prodigy

Ariana Savalas (born January 9, 1987) is the youngest child of Telly and Julie Hovland. She studied classical singing at RADA and obtained a master’s at Harvard before touring globally as a cabaret and jazz performer. From 2014 to 2022, she was a founding member of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, featuring in 20+ YouTube videos with 100+ million views. She plans a major studio record release in 2025 while running a syndicated vintage music radio show.

Ariana’s diverse training and digital presence position her as the most publicly visible of Telly’s descendants, blending classical technique with contemporary platforms.

Comprehensive Family Summary

FAQ

Who is Candace Savalas?

Candace Savalas (born 1963) is the younger daughter of Telly Savalas who performed in seven television productions between 1985 and 1992.

What are Candace Savalas’s most notable roles?

Her most significant credits include “The Lady in Waiting” in Alice in Wonderland (1985) and supporting appearances in several Kojak television films.

Who was Telly Savalas?

Telly Savalas (1922–1994) was a Greek‑American actor and singer best known for his Emmy‑winning lead role in the TV series Kojak.

How many children did Telly Savalas have?

Telly Savalas had six children from four different partnerships, spanning births from 1950 to 1987.

What is Ariana Savalas known for?

Ariana Savalas (born 1987) is a cabaret and jazz singer, Harvard graduate, former member of Postmodern Jukebox, and host of a syndicated radio show.

Does Christina Savalas hold Greek citizenship?

Yes; Christina Savalas Koussakis and her family were granted Greek citizenship in March 2024 in recognition of their Hellenic heritage.