George Christy – formerly of Monessen

George Christy, formerly of Monessen, died of heart failure in Santa Monica, California on Aug. 11, 2020, at the age of 93. The son of Kaliope and Stephanos Stupakis, he was born and raised in Monessen. While attending Monessen High School George excelled academically (class salutatorian), and showed great promise as a writer, debater and leader. In 1944, he went off to Carnegie Tech to study acting and writing in the drama school. Following graduation, he moved to New York City. During his New York period, George decided to change his surname, Stupakis, to his mother’s maiden name, Christy. He was writing and serving as commentator for the first Hellenic-American Television Hour in New York. Hollywood is where George established himself as a gossip and party columnist who wrote for The Hollywood Reporter for more than 26 years. His friend, Canadian producer-director Barry Avrich said, “George Christy was a combination of Louella Parsons, Hedda Hopper and Walter Winchell in the old Hollywood style of reporting.” His column was called “The Great Life.” In 1963 his first book, “All I Could See From Where I Stood,” was published. Most recently he wrote a column for the Beverly Hills Courier, a weekly newspaper. George had a keen interest in food and often hosted star-packed lunches in Hollywood and Canada. His Hollywood lunches at Spagnos and The Ivy helped put them on the map. For 30 years, ending in 2013, he hosted lunches at the Toronto International Film Festival. While “The Tonight Show”, starring Johnny Carson, was on the air, George appeared a number of times as a guest. Relatives in Monessen were always alerted to watch. On occasion he showed up in films, playing small parts in such films as “Die Hard” (1988) and “Seven” (1995). A connection with Monessen and his relatives lasted throughout his life. He was a dedicated member of the local Monessen historical society, supporting it, and enjoying its newsletters. One year he sent the museum a fully decorated Christmas tree. George was preceded in death by his brother Tony. He will be missed by family and friends.