**George Chakiris** (born in Norwood, Ohio, in 1934) is an American actor and dancer, primarily known for his film career in the 1960s.

His most celebrated performance is that of Bernardo, the charismatic and proud leader of the Sharks gang in the film musical *West Side Story* (1961). This role earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, solidifying his international status.

Chakiris, with his background as a dancer, brought an intense and elegant physical presence to the screen. Following the success of *West Side Story*, he often portrayed passionate characters, sometimes rebellious or with a tragic side. Among his other notable film appearances are the French musical *Les Demoiselles de Rochefort* (1967) by Jacques Demy, and films such as *Diamond Head* (1963) and *Kings of the Sun* (1963), where he continued to explore complex and charismatic roles.