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

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Zisis Dardalis honoured with special ceremony in Thessaloniki

Representatives, relatives and friends, attended a ceremony in memory of Great Benefactor of the Australian Diaspora, Zisis Dardalis.

Ferry ticket prices in Greece to increase by up to 12%

Ferry ticket prices in Greece are set to rise significantly, with increases of up to 12% expected from May 2025.

South Melbourne FC claim victory in Greek derby against Port Melbourne FC

Over the weekend, South Melbourne FC defeated Port Melbourne FC away from home 3-2 in a Greek derby. Read more here.