Michael Constantine, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' Actor, Dead at 94
The actor died on Aug. 31 of natural causes.
Michael Constantine, known for his role as Gus in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, has died. He was 94.
The beloved actor died on August 31 of natural causes, Constantine's agent confirmed the news to multiple outlets on Wednesday. The Nia Vardalos-written romantic comedy -- which is the highest-grossing rom-com of all time -- was released in 2002, with Constantine making audiences laugh and smile as the Portokalos patriarch. He reprised his role as the Windex-toting father in the sequel, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, as well as the short-lived CBS series, My Big Fat Greek Life.
With over 180 credits to his name, Constantine began his acting career in New York stages in the mid-1950s. He starred as Seymour Kaufman in Room 22 from 1969 until 1974. The role earned him a Best Supporting Actor Emmy win in 1970.
His other TV credits include, the original Perry Mason, MacGyver, The Twilight Zone, Sirota's Court, The Outer Limits, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Murder, She Wrote, Law & Order, Gunsmoke and many more.
He also starred in films such as Thinner, The Hustler, Island of Love, In the Mood, The Juror and more, with My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 being his final project in 2016.
Vardalos, who played his daughter in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, took to social media to express her condolences.
"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," she wrote alongside a cast photo. "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."
She also shared a photo of Constantine and her real father, Gus Vardalos, together.
Actor Bradley Whitford also wrote how Constantine was a "terrific actor and a wonderfully kind man."
Many other fans also took to social media to honor the late actor.
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