Jack Panos is best known as the father of the renowned singer and songwriter George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou. Jack, also known as Kyriacos Panayiotou, was a Greek Cypriot restaurateur who emigrated to England in the 1950s. The restaurant he owned is Kabul City Restaurant in England.
Jack Panos was married to Lesley Panayiotou, an English dancer, and together they had three children: George Michael, Yioda Panayiotou, and Melanie Panayiotou.
George Michael, his famous son, was a leading creative force in music production, songwriting, vocal performance, and visual presentation. Jack Panos played a significant role in the life of the music icon, and his story provides valuable insights into the family background of George Michael.
Quick Bio
| Name | Jack Panos |
| Famous as | George Michael’s Father |
| Full Name | Kyriacos Panayiotou |
| Birth Year | 1936 |
| Death Year | N/A |
| Gender | Male |
| Wife | Lesly Panayiotou |
| Children | George Michael, Yioda Panayiotou, Melanie Panayiotou |
| Profession | Restauranter (Kabul City Restaurant, Edgware ) |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Ethnicity | White |
Jack’s Early Life
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1936 in Patricia, Karpasia, Cyprus, Jack Panos, known familiarly as Jack, embarked on a new chapter in the 1950s when he arrived in England.
Alongside his parents and brothers, he embraced the diverse culture of England, where he was raised. Jack’s early years unfolded in the backdrop of a local high school, shaping the foundations of his path. Details of his higher education remain a mystery.
Jack found companionship in Lesley Angold, born Harrison, whom he married. The couple had three children: Yioda Panayiotou, Melanie Panayiotou and the youngest, the famous George Michael. Tragically, Lesley, a dancer, bid farewell in 1997, finding her eternal rest at Highgate Cemetery West.
Jack’s early life is a tale of migration, family, and love, where the pursuit of his dreams as a Greek Cypriot restaurateur began to take root in the vibrant landscapes of England.
George Michael
George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, spent his formative years in Kingsbury. Raised by his Greek Cypriot father and English dancer mother, he attended Roe Green Junior School and Kingsbury High School.
Early on, Michael’s passion for music blossomed, and he befriended Andrew Ridgeley in high school, forming the iconic duo Wham. Despite early challenges, including a brief stint in a ska band, Wham! made history and performed at iconic events like Live Aid. Michael later transitioned to a successful solo career, achieving chart-topping hits and Grammy recognition.
His life was marked by philanthropy, documented in his contributions to charitable causes. George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53, from natural causes related to heart and liver disease.
Jack Son’s Career
George Michael, a trailblazing British pop artist, etched his name in music history with a career marked by innovation and chart-topping hits. His journey to stardom commenced as the lead vocalist and main songwriter of the iconic duo Wham! Wham! catapulted to fame with infectious tunes and Michael’s charismatic stage presence.
The duo’s success laid the foundation for Michael’s solo venture, which began in earnest with the release of “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” in collaboration with the legendary Aretha Franklin in 1987. This soulful duet not only realised Michael’s dream of performing alongside one of his musical idols but also soared to the summit of both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. Impressively, it marked Michael’s third consecutive solo number-one in the UK. Noteworthy is that “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” was the first solo track not penned by Michael himself, showcasing his versatility.
As his solo career blossomed, Michael continued to redefine the pop landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. The accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance with Aretha Franklin, underscored the enduring impact of George Michael’s multifaceted musical journey.
The Sudden Death Of George Michael
George Michael, the renowned pop icon, passed away on December 25, 2016, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. His sudden death at the age of 53 was attributed to natural causes, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver, as determined by a senior coroner in Oxfordshire.
The public reaction to his death was one of profound sadness, with an outpouring of love and tributes from friends, family, and fans, as well as fellow celebrities such as Elton John, Madonna, and Adele.
His former partner, Fadi Fawaz, revealed that he had not spent time with Michael on the night of Christmas Eve, and the speculation surrounding his death was finally put to rest when the cause was determined to be natural.
George Michael was laid to rest at Highgate Cemetery in north London, near his mother’s grave, and was commemorated with a mural in his native borough of Brent in 2020. His death was a significant loss to the music industry and his many devoted fans.