Thymios Karakatsanis: One of the best comics of modern Greek theatre

·

Thymios Karakatsanis was a man with a strong personality and one of the best comics of modern Greek theatre.

The renowned Greek actor and theatre director always associated himself with the comedies of Aristophanes and performed regularly at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.

Karakatsanis was born on December 8, 1940 in Tambouria, Piraeus. He studied at the Charles Kun Art Theater and since 1960, worked as a “key member” of the Art Theater and then in the free theater.

Thymios Karakatsanis was one of the best comics of modern Greek theatre.

He had a strong interest in the plays of Aristophanes, performing most of the roles in the poet’s comedies. He starred in Koon’s historical performance of Ornithes (1959), as it was presented in 1962 and 1964-1965 on a world tour. He also played a wide range of roles in works by Psatha, Pinder, Hasek, Calderon, Moliere and Neil Simon.

Although his background was as a theatrical actor, Karakatsanis even had a small presence on the big screen, with 11 films to his credit from 1967 to 1986.

Karakatsanis had a strong interest in the plays of Aristophanes.

Some of his final theatrical roles included: Death of Arthur Miller’s Merchant and Dandades by George Skourtis, and in June 2011, he directed and starred in Aristophanes’ Lysistrata with co-stars George Constantinou, George Partsalakis, Vassilis Tsivilikas , Costas Voutsas and Vasia Trifilli.

In November 2011, in an interview with the Espresso newspaper, Karakatsanis announced that he was retiring from the theater due to serious health problems he had been facing in recent years. Asked if he would ever appear on stage again, he replied: “I will appear in the Second Coming. For me, the curtain has fallen.”

Thymios Karakatsanis died on June 30, 2012, at the age of 71. Until the last moment, his beloved wife Roula, their two daughters, the actress Alexandra Karakatsani and the artist Katerina Karakatsani stood by his side.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic at a crossroads: Damon Hanlin on Belmore, finances and the future

As construction threatens its home, Sydney Olympic enters a new era - chasing stability, respect and results on the national stage.

Cypriot community gathers in Sydney to mark 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus

The Cyprus Community of NSW hosted a special commemoration on Sunday, marking 65 years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

Sydney’s Lemnian community marks 113 years since the liberation of Lemnos

The Lemnian Association of Sydney and New South Wales “Maroula” marked the 113th anniversary of the liberation of Lemnos.

Pan-Macedonian Association marks 42 years of Dimitria Festival in Sydney

With full formality, the Macedonian celebrations “Dimitria” began on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This year marks the 42nd consecutive year.

Australian Embassy in Athens hosts book launch on Australia’s first Greek female settler

The Australian Embassy in Athens hosted the launch of Η Πρώτη Έποικος (The First Settler) on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

You May Also Like

Registrations now open for inaugural Global Women and Hellenism Conference

The inaugural ‘Global Women and Hellenism Conference’ from September 2 to September 6 in Greece this year is set to be “an absolute blast.”

Goodman chief financial officer Nick Vrondas amongst highest paid in Australia

Goodman Group's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Nick Vrondas has ranked third on Australia's list for highest paid CFOs.

Register for the postal vote: Everything you need to know

Postal voting is now established for the first time in Greece. It applies to European elections and referenda.