The Life and Legacy of Mike Connors — A Hollywood Journey

From Fresno Roots to Screen Stardom

Born Krekor Ohanian on August 15, 1925, in Fresno, California, the future Mike Connors carried with him the legacy of Armenian heritage. Raised in a family shaped by immigrant resilience, Connors — also fluent in Armenian, English, and French — grew up with a work ethic grounded in his parents’ story.

A youth passionate about basketball, he earned a scholarship to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, he returned to UCLA under the G.I. Bill — and fate intervened. During a basketball game, legendary director William Wellman spotted his expressive features and invited him to try acting. The rest, as they say, was history. 

His birthdate and humble beginnings in Fresno set the stage for a transformation from “Krekor Ohanian” to a Hollywood screen presence known to millions.

Trading Law Books for Movie Sets: Early Screen Roles

Though he initially studied law — perhaps following in the footsteps of his Armenian-American father — Connors’ career took an unexpected turn. Using the nickname from his UCLA days, “Touch Connors,” he landed his first film role in the thriller Sudden Fear (1952), sharing the screen with stars like Joan Crawford and Jack Palance. 

Over the next decade, he appeared in a string of supporting roles — from a crewman in Island in the Sky (1953) with John Wayne, to a part in the epic The Ten Commandments (1956).  Despite these early credits, Connors remained under the radar — at least until television called.

A Detective Icon Is Born

Connors’ breakthrough came when he landed the lead role in the CBS series Mannix (1967–1975), portraying the tough, clever private investigator Joe Mannix. The show would become his defining work — and cement his place in television history. 

On “Mannix,” Connors didn’t just act — he performed many of his own stunts, underscoring a gritty physicality that felt authentic to audiences. The series earned him acclaim, including a Golden Globe win and multiple Emmy nominations. 

Beyond the fame, “Mannix” showcased Connors’ ability to evolve from a supporting actor to a leading man — redefining his identity and giving him a platform that ensured his legacy.

The Private Life Behind the Public Persona

Off-screen, Connors built a life grounded in family. He married Mary Lou Connors (née Willey) in 1949 — an enduring union that lasted decades, rare by Hollywood standards.

They welcomed two children: a son and a daughter. Sources mention a son named Matthew and a daughter named Dana. While he achieved on-screen success, Connors quietly navigated the responsibilities of fatherhood and marriage — balancing public fame with private commitments.

Worth the Legacy: Net Worth & Enduring Value

At the time of his passing, Connors had an estimated net worth of US$6 million, accumulated over a career that stretched more than half a century. 

This sum reflects not only his earnings from “Mannix,” movies, and television guest roles — but also the enduring value of a career built on resilience, transition, and — above all — reinvention.

Why Mike Connors Still Matters

Few actors embody the archetype of the mid-20th-century screen hero as fully as Mike Connors. Born Krekor Ohanian on August 15, 1925, he transformed adversity, heritage, and athletic discipline into a storied acting career.

He showed that success in Hollywood rarely comes overnight — but through grit, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace new identities. His marriage and family life remind us of the person behind the persona. His $6 million net worth is a testament to consistent, decades-long work rather than flashy earnings.

Though Connors passed away on January 26, 2017, the legacy of Joe Mannix — the tough, moral detective — lives on, continuing to inspire new audiences and actors alike.