Remembering the life of popular Greek actor, Alekos Alexandrakis

·

By Victoria Loutas and Billy Patramanis.

On November 8, 2005, the notable Greek actor, Alekos Alexandrakis, passed away. 

With a theatrical career spanning over 50 years, Alexandrakis was one of the most influential and remarkable actors in the Greek film industry and has left an enduring legacy. 

Early life:

Alekos Alexandrakis was born into a wealthy family, being the son of a lawyer from Mani, Peloponnese. His childhood was filled with literature, elite sports and top tier education, shaping his intellectual worldviews. He excelled at fencing and by age 15 he became a member of the Greek national team.

Alexandrakis in the 1951 film ‘A Night in Paradise’. Source: IMDb

At age sixteen, he decided to enter the School of Trials, with hopes to become a Navy Officer. But instead, he was deeply inspired by a theatrical performance by Karolos Koun, encouraging him to enrol into the Royal Theater. He later studied at the Drama School of the Greek National Theatre. Here he began his noteworthy career in the performing arts.

Career:

On July 9, 1949, Alexandrakis made his stage debut, performing in an Athens production of Daphne Du Maurier’s “Autumn Tide.” His first performance captured the audience and drew rave reviews and grand impressions on the up and coming actor. 

Kathimerini critic, Emilios Chourmouzios, famously wrote of Alekos, “Show weapons. Finally, a lover in the Greek theater.” Alekos’ first performance was certainly an indication of his outstanding career to come. 

Alexandrakis starred in more than 75 movies.

Soon after, the actor was offered to star in movies by Finos Films, a leading Greek production company owned by Filopimin Finos. In the same year, Alekos made his onscreen debut with the film “Two Worlds.” And this was only just the beginning. Alekos continued to star in countless films, becoming famous for his irresistible charm and phenomenal acting skills. 

Whilst excelling in his acting career, he also kept himself busy in his love life, marrying four times, which all unfortunately ended in divorce. However, he remained with his final partner Nonika Galinea for 21 years, although they never married.

As well as acting on stage and on screen, the Greek actor also delved into the world of film production. He directed plays, as well as films such as “Triumph” (1960) with Karydis-Fuchs and “The Dream District” (1961), which was awarded at the Thessaloniki Film Festival.

Legacy:

Alexandrakis left behind a huge legacy.

In total, Alekos Alexandrakis starred in more than 75 movies and was a popular figure across Greece in his time. He played significant roles in the theatre and left a memorable mark on each and every member of the audience. 

In the last few years of his life, he passed on his wisdom and expertise, teaching at the Diamantopoulos Workshop in Greece. 

In 2001, Kostantinos Stefanopoulos, the then President of the Hellenic Republic, awarded him with the Golden Cross of the Order of Honour for his contribution to the performing arts in Greece.

Alekos Alexandrakis passed away in 2005 after a long battle with cancer. 

His contributions to the theatrical industry in Greece will forever be cherished and remembered.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Earlwood’s Greek spirit centre stage as ‘Plateia’ Festival secures state funding

The City of Canterbury Bankstown will host the “Love Earlwood” festival thanks to the NSW Government’s Open Streets 2025-28 Program.

Greek Consul General honoured at Hellenic Club farewell event in Sydney

Sydney’s Greek community came together on Thursday for a dignified farewell dinner in honour of Greece’s Consul General, Ioannis Mallikourtis

Field of candidates announced for 2025 Greek Community of Melbourne Board election

Greek Community of Melbourne has officially called elections for a new Board of Directors, with members set to head to the polls on June 29.

Australia Cup 2025: Strong Greek heritage club presence as Final 32 locked in

The cast for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 has been decided following the completion of the Preliminary Rounds.

Apostolakis and Trimis named on Young Matildas squad for upcoming training camp

CommBank Young Matildas Head Coach Alex Epakis has settled on a 32-player squad for a domestic training camp to be held in Sydney.

You May Also Like

Sydney Olympic and APIA Leichhardt to play legends match at Festival of Football

On Sunday, April 23 at Lambert Park in Leichhardt, Sydney there will be a legends match between Sydney Olympic FC and APIA Leichhardt FC.

Chanel Contos’ petition forces NSW Parliament to debate the state’s sex education curriculum

Chanel Contos’ petition has garnered the requisite 20,000 signatories to trigger parliamentary debate over the NSW sex education curriculum.

Athens replaces controversial signs at the Pedion tou Areos

The Attica Regional Authority removed seven controversial signposts at the Pedion tou Aeros on Wednesday. The signs sparked uproar after translating ‘the Fields of Aeros’...