Olympia Dukakis was an American actor who is best known for her roles in Moonstruck, Steel Magnolias, and Tales of the City. She gained fame later in her career and was respected for her performances on stage and screen.
Personal and Family Life
Olympia Dukakis was born on June 20, 1931, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Greek immigrant parents. She graduated from Boston University, where she initially studied physical therapy before pursuing her passion for acting. In 1962, she married actor Louis Zorich, and they had three children together. Olympia was also the cousin of politician Michael Dukakis.
Career
Dukakis had a prolific stage career, starting with summer stock and later making her Broadway debut at age 30. She is known for her performance in the one-woman play “Rose,” which garnered her critical acclaim. Her transition to film came later in life, with her Oscar-winning role in Moonstruck marking a significant turning point in her career. She continued to act in various notable films and television series over the decades, earning praise for her versatility across various genres.
Death and Legacy
Olympia Dukakis passed away on May 1, 2021, in Manhattan, New York City, after a long illness. She left behind a lasting legacy in theater and film, celebrated for her contributions as a character actor and a strong advocate for women’s rights and liberal causes. Her story has inspired many aspiring actors and actresses.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Wanderers | 1979-07-13 | Joey’s Mom |
| Away from Her | 2007-05-04 | Marian |
| Moonstruck | 1987-12-16 | Rose Castorini |
| Mr. Holland’s Opus | 1995-12-29 | Principal Jacobs |
| Steel Magnolias | 1989-11-15 | Clairee Belcher |
| Look Who’s Talking | 1989-10-12 | Rosie |
| The Cemetery Club | 1993-02-03 | Doris Silverman |
| Cloudburst | 2011-09-23 | Stella |
| Tales of the City | 1993-09-28 | Anna Madrigal |
| Charlie’s War | 2003-05-02 | Charlie |