MICHAEL Constantine, the American actor who found countless uses for Windex as the patriarchal restaurant owner in the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" films, has died at age 94, his representative confirmed on Thursday.
Constantine, who won an Emmy Award as a school principal in the 1970s TV series "Room 222," died peacefully on Aug. 31 of natural causes at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania, with family members at his side, his representative, Julia Buchwald, said in an email, citing his family.
Constantine, a heavyset, balding performer, appeared in more than 30 films, dozens of television shows and on the Broadway stage during a career that stretched back to the 1950s. But he will be best remembered as Kostas "Gus" Portokalos, the old fashioned, loving and fiercely proud Greek father of the bride in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
Nia Vardalos, who wrote and starred in the film, said Constantine was a joy to work with on the project.
“Acting with him came with a rush of love and fun,” she wrote on Twitter. “I will treasure this man who brought Gus to life.”
The surprise 2002 hit romantic comedy - in which Constantine espoused the household cleaner Windex as a cure for all ailments - earned more than $241 million at the U.S. box office and was followed by a 2016 sequel and the short-lived 2003 TV series "My Big Fat Greek Life."
The film also brought the Greek-American actor, by then in his mid-70s, newfound fame.
"I’m actually sick of Windex," he told the Hellenic News of America in 2017. "There must have been hundreds of bottles sent to me, and then there were all those people who asked me to autograph their Windex bottles.”
Constantine initially turned down the role but changed his mind after salary negotiations with the producer. He said he also was concerned about how Greeks would be portrayed in the film.
"I was more worried that they not do anything to insult the Greeks. To embarrass us. To make us look stupid or bad. Obviously, they didn't" he told The National Herald newspaper in 2016.
MASTER CHARACTER ACTOR
Constantine was familiar to generations of TV viewers and appeared in a variety of roles in classic shows such as the Westerns "Bonanza" and "Gunsmoke," the crime and courtroom dramas "Perry Mason" and "Law and Order" and the comedies "The Love Boat" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
He nabbed an Emmy for best supporting actor in 1970 as high school principal Seymour Kaufman on the TV drama "Room 222" that ran from 1969 to 1974.
The versatile actor followed that success playing night court magistrate Matthew J. Sirota on the 1976 sitcom "Sirota's Court."
Constantine, the son of Greek immigrant parents, was born on May 22, 1927. He grew up in Reading in southeastern Pennsylvania, where his mother, the disciplinarian in the family, encouraged him to participate in school plays.
After finishing school he worked in a variety of jobs before moving to New York to study acting. His first role on Broadway was in the ensemble of the play "Inherit the Wind" in 1955 with actor Paul Muni.
Four years later he made his film debut as a convict in the thriller "The Last Mile" with Mickey Rooney. He also starred in "The Hustler" (1961) with Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason, opposite Steve McQueen in the period movie "The Reivers" (1969) and as a judge in the 1996 legal drama "The Juror" (1996).
Constantine was married and divorced twice and had two children: poet and teacher Brendan Constantine and writer, actress and filmmaker Thea Constantine.
Reuters
Fri Sep 10 2021
Constantine, who won an Emmy Award as a school principal in the 1970s TV series "Room 222," died peacefully on Aug. 31 of natural causes at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania, with family members at his side, Julia Buchwald, said. - REUTERS/Filepic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.