Kojak Quotes
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Source: Kojak
Speaker: Theo Kojak
Who loves ya, baby?
Context
This line is spoken by Theo Kojak, played by Telly Savalas, in the TV show Kojak (1973-1978).
It seems like cops and cop shows were a dime a dozen in the 1970s. Kojak set itself apart with its main character's fondness for Tootsie Roll pops—he was trying to quit smoking—and his catchphrase, "Who loves ya, baby?"
Yeah, it's endearing even when he's saying it somewhat sarcastically to a just-caught criminal.
Where you've heard it
You might have heard this if someone was casually telling someone else that they loved them—or maybe because they were talking to an actual baby.
Additional Notable References:
- Why visit Switzerland or San Francisco when you can go to Duluth? Telly Savalas employed his famous quote in a travel ad for the Minnesota city.
- Alton Brown has a recipe for delicious Who Loves Ya Baby-Back Ribs.
- Debbie Gibson recorded a song called "Who Loves Ya Baby" in 1989.
- An achievement in the Xbox 360 games Saints Row 3 is named after this catchphrase.
- Who loves Vin Diesel? He hopes you will love him as Kojak in a planned movie adaptation.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Who loves Telly Savalas? Everyone. The man was an icon because of this character and this catchphrase.