Nia Vardalos

Antonia Eugenia Vardalos, better known as Nia Vardalos, is a well-known Canadian actress, screenwriter, and director. Born on September 24, 1962, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Vardalos gained international fame for her starring role in the romantic comedy film My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002). The film not only won her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress but also resulted in the creation of a successful media franchise. Before this breakout role, Vardalos had already established herself in Chicago's Second City comedy repertory, performing in multiple comedy sketches. From small roles in TV shows like The Drew Carey Show and Two Guys and a Girl to providing voices for the 1996 radio adaptation of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, she showcased her diverse talent. Her directorial debut came in 2009 with the independent film I Hate Valentine's Day. The film, about a florist finding romance, was made on a limited budget but still achieved reasonable success at the box office. Vardalos continued to write and star in successful movies like Larry Crowne and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. She has also voiced characters in films and has performed on stage, notably her adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's book, Tiny Beautiful Things. In 2023, she reprised her role as Toula Portakalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, serving both as director and screenwriter.