Michael Constantine

Michael Constantine, also known as Gus Efstratiou, (1927-2021) was an award-winning American actor, widely recognized for his portrayal of Kostas "Gus" Portokalos in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002). This role earned him a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Musical or Comedy. His early career was deeply rooted in television where he received the Primetime Emmy Award for his performance as Seymour Kaufman in ABC's comedy-drama, Room 222. His fame escalated with a role on the 1976 sitcom Sirota's Court, which led to his second Golden Globe nomination. Constantine reprised his role as Gus Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016).

Born to Greek immigrant parents in Reading, Pennsylvania, he started his career on the New York stage in the mid-1950s, also gaining experience in film and various television roles. A few of his notable appearances were on Perry Mason, The Fugitive, and The Untouchables. In 1988, he made an appearance on the television series Friday the 13th and later portrayed Santa Claus in Prancer (1989). His career saw a robust resurgence in 2002 with My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Michael Constantine passed away in Reading, Pennsylvania, in August 2021, at the age of 94, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 was dedicated to his memory.