Michael Constantine dead – My Big Fat Greek Wedding actor dies aged 94 as co-stars pay tribute

MICHAEL Constantine, the star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, has died at the age of 94.

The Emmy-winning actor passed away from natural causes at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania, on August 31, his family confirmed on Wednesday.

He reportedly battled an illness for several years but the cause of death has not been revealed.

Constantine played Gus, the dad of Toula Portokalos, in the 2002 rom-com movie.

He also starred in the TV sitcom spinoff My Big Fat Greek Life which was a continuation to the movie.

Tributes from the entertainment world have poured in as news of Constantine's death emerged.

Actress Nia Vardalos, who starred as Portokalos, tweeted: “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.”

Actor Bradley Whitford said: "Michael Constantine was a terrific actor and a wonderfully kind man. Well done, sir. Rest In Peace."

Constantine's sister Patricia Gordon said her brother was "loving and giving".

She told The Reading Eagle: "(He was) the most generous person you’d ever want to meet. The world is a better place because of him - really truly."

Patricia said that Constantine was "very much a family person" and loved his children, siblings, and parents.

'KIND AND GENEROUS'

Constantine won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1970 for his role on the ABC drama series Room 222.

The actor, who was the son of Greek immigrants, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1927.

Despite moving to New York and California, the actor never forgot where he came from.

Brother-in-law Michael Gordon said: "He’s always considered himself a Reading native. People would come up and say, ‘You’re from California'."

The actor would reply back: "Oh no I'm from Reading."

Constantine started his acting career as an understudy in the 1950s Broadway production Inherit the Wind.

He also starred in the Mickey Rooney film The Last Mile, Hawaii, and the 1974 movie Death Cruise.

The actor made TV appearances in Law & Order, Magnum P.I, Murder, She Wrote, and Quincy, M.E.

He is survived by his two children and his sisters Patricia Gordon and Chris Dobbs.