By .
Michael Constantine, known for his role as Gus in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, has died. He was 94.
The beloved actor died on August 31 of natural causes, Constantine’s agent confirmed the news to multiple outlets on Wednesday. The Nia Vardalos-written romantic comedy — which is the highest-grossing rom-com of all time — was released in 2002, with Constantine making audiences laugh and smile as the Portokalos patriarch. He reprised his role as the Windex-toting father in the sequel, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2″, as well as the short-lived CBS series, “My Big Fat Greek Life”.
With over 180 credits to his name, Constantine began his acting career in New York stages in the mid-1950s. He starred as Seymour Kaufman in “Room 22” from 1969 until 1974. The role earned him a Best Supporting Actor Emmy win in 1970.
His other TV credits include, the original “Perry Mason”, “MacGyver”, “The Twilight Zone”, “Sirota’s Court”, “The Outer Limits”, “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, “Murder, She Wrote”, “Law & Order”, “Gunsmoke” and many more.
He also starred in films such as “Thinner”, “The Hustler”, “Island of Love”, “In the Mood”, “The Juror” and more, with “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2” being his final project in 2016.
Vardalos, who played his daughter in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, took to social media to express her condolences.
“Michael Constantine, the dad to our cast-family, a gift to the written word, and always a friend. Acting with him came with a rush of love and fun,” she wrote alongside a cast photo. “I will treasure this man who brought Gus to life. He gave us so much laughter and deserves a rest now. We love you Michael.”
Michael Constantine, the dad to our cast-family, a gift to the written word, and always a friend. Acting with him came with a rush of love and fun. I will treasure this man who brought Gus to life. He gave us so much laughter and deserves a rest now. We love you Michael. ?? pic.twitter.com/PV0sIBtaUX
— Nia Vardalos (@NiaVardalos) September 9, 2021
She also shared a photo of Constantine and her real father, Gus Vardalos, together.
Michael Constantine as “Gus” and my real dad Constantine “Gus” Vardalos, onset #MyBigFatGreekWedding2. May both dads Rest In Peace ♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/PZn6oF2auT
— Nia Vardalos (@NiaVardalos) September 9, 2021
Actor Bradley Whitford also wrote how Constantine was a “terrific actor and a wonderfully kind man.”
Michael Constantine was a terrific actor and a wonderfully kind man. Well done, sir. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/7c5C8I8Xos
— Bradley Whitford (@BradleyWhitford) September 9, 2021
Many other fans also took to social media to honour the late actor.
my big fat greek wedding was a big part of my upbringing (even though i’m italian lol). the film brought me joy, happiness, and lots of laughter. the actor michael constantine, who played gus, passed away today. he had a lot of iconic lines, but i particularly love this scene ? pic.twitter.com/aCylioo87c
— isabel ? (@evanxbrie) September 9, 2021
SAD FAREWELL
Michael Constantine was in many movies and TV shows. It would take several tweets to cover them. I first knew him for Room 222 and later caught up with his many movies from The Hustler to My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Michael was 94 years old. RIP pic.twitter.com/gJUHPMpr9m— James L Neibaur (@JimLNeibaur) September 9, 2021
So sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Constantine tonight. A fan since Room 222, he looked like a real sweetheart. pic.twitter.com/hcbDnMOF0D
— Mark Hanson has no computer sound w/o headphones (@MHanson62) September 9, 2021
I love this movie. I love this character and I loved Michael Constantine. He passed at the age of 94. I will spritz some windex in your honor ?? pic.twitter.com/6wOvDew9WZ
— Maria Stephanos (@mariastephanos) September 9, 2021
Thank you for taking the quintessential Baba and portraying him so brilliantly – the first time many of us saw the havoc and joy of our own homes that’s often intertwined with immigrant identities comfortingly staring back at us on the screen. https://t.co/K7n3P1LAlz
— Liana Aghajanian (@LianaAgh) September 9, 2021
Aw, farewell to #MichaelConstantine a terrific actor I loved growing up (here with costar gone too soon Lloyd Haynes) in Room 222. 94 is a good long life, sweet dreams. pic.twitter.com/E0uH8ylvgb
— Donna Hill (@rudyfan) September 9, 2021
RIP Michael Constantine pic.twitter.com/vq2U0OmcXf
— J.R. McGrail ? (@JRMcGrail) September 9, 2021
MORE FROM ET:
Michael K. Williams, ‘The Wire’ Actor, Dead at 54
Sarah Harding, Girls Aloud Singer, Dead at 39 From Breast Cancer
Willard Scott, Legendary ‘Today’ Show Weatherman, Dead at 87
Click to View Gallery
Stars We’ve Lost In 2021