Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis dies aged 89

·

Olympia Dukakis, a character actress who won an Oscar for her role as an overbearing mother in the romantic comedy “Moonstruck,” died Saturday at the age of 89.

The passing of the theater veteran, who made a name for herself in film late in her career, was confirmed on Facebook by her brother Apollo.

“My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City,” he wrote. “After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her [husband] Louis [Zorich].” The cause of death was not immediately given.

Photo: MOONST RUCK, Olympia Dukakis, 1987. (c) MGM/ Courtesy: Everett Collection.

Dukakis was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Greek emigrant parents, with her father originally from Anatolia and her mother from the Peloponnese. The Greek American actress said she grew up with pressures within her Greek family and around her “in a neighborhood where ethnic discrimination, particularly against Greeks, was routine.”

Dukakis won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her work in “Moonstruck” (1987) as the scornful mother of a young widow played by Cher. It also earned Dukakis a Golden Globe and a BAFTA nomination.

By 1988, with her Oscar, Dukakis was a household name in America because of the award and because her cousin Michael Dukakis had won the Democratic presidential nomination.

Olympia Dukakis is survived by the daughter and two sons she had with Zorich, who died in 2018.

Sourced By: AFP

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney shines as Greek Film Festival celebrates 30 years of cinema and culture

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney opened in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night with Kapetan Mihalis.

Celebrate the 113th anniversary of Lesvos’ liberation at Mytilenian House in Sydney

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW is set to celebrate the 113th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Island of Lesvos.

Luncheon raises $95,000 for Holy Monastery of St John in Western Australia

The Greek Orthodox Diocese of Perth hosted a fundraising luncheon on Sunday, October 12, at the Archdiocese Conference Room in Dianella.

‘Kapetan Mihalis’ opens 30th Greek Film Festival in Melbourne

The 30th Greek Film Festival, presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), officially opened Tuesday, October 14.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens bilateral ties in Canberra

Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, has continued his official visit to Australia in Canberra.

You May Also Like

John Barounis triumphs in Maryborough seat at Queensland state election

After serving three terms over nine years, Bruce Saunders has been defeated in his bid for re-election as the member for Maryborough.

Countdown is on for the 2023 Greek Film Festival’s opening night

The highly anticipated 2023 Greek Film Festival launches this Thursday, and promises a spectacular celebration of Greek cinema, and artistry.

Victorian Government commits $500,000 towards expanding the All Nations Cup

The Victorian State Government has today announced that if re-elected, it will invest $500,000 towards the All Nations Football Cup.