Giorgos Kotanidis was an American actor known for his roles in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Pretty Smart, and The Girl from Mani. He was born on May 23, 1945, in Thessaloniki, Greece, and passed away on January 28, 2020, in Athens, Greece, after a long illness.
Personal and Family Life
Giorgos Kotanidis was the father of two daughters, Antigone Kotanidou and actress Eva Kotanidou. He initially studied for two years at the Veterinary School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, a decision he made by chance. Besides his acting career, Kotanidis was involved in political activism, particularly during the Greek military junta from 1967 to 1974, where he faced imprisonment and torture for his beliefs.
Career
During his career, Giorgos participated in the establishment of the “Ithaca” publishing house, alongside actor Thanos Kakoulidis, which focused on publishing works related to theater, cinema, and music from 1980 to 1985. He appeared in various films and television series, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor.
Death and Legacy
Giorgos Kotanidis died on January 28, 2020, in Athens, Greece, after a prolonged illness. His work in film and theatre left a lasting impression, and he is remembered for both his artistic contributions and his political activism. His daughters continue to honor his legacy as artists in their own rights.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Βίος και Πολιτεία | 1987-10-29 | Petros Savvidis |
| Προστάτης Οικογένειας | 1997-01-02 | Papalevizos |
| Η παρεξήγηση | 1983-06-07 | |
| Πάμπτωχοι Α.Ε. | 2000-11-17 | Giorgos Haramis |
| Kamia sympatheia gia ton Diavolo | 1997-01-01 | Devil |
| Παραγγελιά! | 1980-10-05 | Policeman |
| Το κορίτσι της Μάνης | 1986-01-01 | Calchas |
| Από Που Πάνε Για Τη Χαβούζα | 1978-01-01 | Kostas |
| Ένας Χορός Ακόμη | 2012-09-19 | |
| Ηλεκτρικός Άγγελος | 1981-10-20 | |
| Εβίβα! | 2014-09-17 | Vassilis |
| Pretty Smart | 1987-03-13 | Professor Raji |
| Captain Corelli’s Mandolin | 2001-04-18 | Mayor |
| Hardbodies 2 | 1986-09-12 | Kidnapper |
| Τον Καιρό των Ελλήνων | 1981-04-01 | |
| Μαντώ Μαυρογένους | 1983-06-08 | Αλέξανδρος Υψηλάντης |
| Προδοσία | 1997-02-20 | Βασίλης |