Telly Savalas stars as the lollipop-sucking Lieutenant Theo Kojak in the classic crime drama, alongside Dan Frazer as Captain Frank McNeil and Kevin Dobson as Detective Bobby Crocker.
Main cast
- Lieutenant Theo KojakTelly Savalas1-5Main
- Captain Frank McNeilDan Frazer1-5Main
- Detective Bobby CrockerKevin Dobson1-5Main
- Detective StavrosGeorge Savalas2-5Main
- Detective SapersteinMark Russell2-5Main
- Detective RizzoVince Conti2-5Main
Supporting cast
- Sergeant Al BonfiglioHarvey Atkin1-5Supp
No matches — try another name.
About this cast
Kojak is an American crime drama television series that aired from 1973 to 1978, starring Telly Savalas as the iconic bald detective Lieutenant Theo Kojak. The show follows Kojak and his team in the New York City Police Department as they solve murders and tackle crime. Savalas’ portrayal, complete with his trademark lollipop and catchphrase ‘Who loves ya, baby?’, made the series a cultural…
FAQs
Who plays Lieutenant Theo Kojak in Kojak?
Telly Savalas plays the lead role of Lieutenant Theo Kojak.
How many seasons of Kojak are there?
The original series ran for five seasons from 1973 to 1978.
What is Kojak’s famous catchphrase?
Kojak’s catchphrase is ‘Who loves ya, baby?’
Who played Detective Bobby Crocker?
Kevin Dobson played Detective Bobby Crocker.
Was Kojak based on a real person?
The character was fictional, but the show’s creator Abby Mann was inspired by a real NYPD detective, though Kojak’s bald look and lollipop were Telly Savalas’ own additions.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026