Hollywood
‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ Star Michael Constantine Dies Aged 94
Actor Michael Constantine, best known for playing the father in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘, has passed away at the age of 94.
Constantine’s death was confirmed by family members in an article for the Reading Eagle. He died at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania on August 31, surrounded by family.
“Last week he could still sing all four stanzas of the Reading High School alma mater from memory.” Revealed his brother-in-law Michael Gordon. “He’s always considered himself a Reading native. People would come up and say, ‘You’re from California’, (and he’d say) ‘Oh no, I’m from Reading.’”
“He loved his hometown. He came back here right after he won his Emmy for ‘Room 222‘. But then he was called back to California.” Shared his sister, Patricia Gordon. “He always loved coming home. He was very much a family person. He loved his children, his siblings, his parents.”
Constantine, the child of two Greek migrants, began his acting career in the 1950s with stage appearances in New York. His first film, ‘The Last Mile‘, debuted in 1959 and starred Mickey Rooney. He appeared in several more features, including ‘The Hustler‘, ‘Island of Love‘ and ‘Hawaii‘, before portraying Seymour Kaufman in ABC’s ‘Room 222‘. The role would secure Constantine an Emmy in 1970.
In 2002 Constantine portrayed his best known character, Gus Portokalos, in the hit film ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding‘. The film is the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time, grossing around $241 million. Constantine would reprise his role again in the 2016 sequel.
His co-star and on-screen daughter, Nia Vardalos, paid tribute to the late actor on Twitter.
Michael Constantine, the dad to our cast-family, a gift to the written word, and always a friend. Acting with him came with a rush of love and fun. I will treasure this man who brought Gus to life. He gave us so much laughter and deserves a rest now. We love you Michael. ?? pic.twitter.com/PV0sIBtaUX
— Nia Vardalos (@NiaVardalos) September 9, 2021
Rest in Peace, Michael Constantine.
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