Where Are They Now? The Big Fat Greek Wedding Cast: Tragedies, Triumphs, And A 2023 Greek Reunion

The Portokalos family remains one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring comedic ensembles. Two decades after the original independent film became a global box office phenomenon, the cast reunited for a third installment in 2023, bringing a fresh wave of updates and emotional tributes. As of today, December 18, 2025, fans are looking back at the original stars, celebrating the new generation, and honoring the memory of the Portokalos patriarch.

The journey of Toula Portokalos and Ian Miller, which began with a whirlwind romance and a massive, chaotic Greek wedding, has spanned three feature films and one television series. The latest chapter, *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3*, is not just a reunion; it’s a heartfelt pilgrimage back to Greece to honor the late Gus Portokalos, reflecting a real-life tragedy that impacted the entire cast.

The Original Portokalos Family Cast: A Complete Biography and Filmography

The core cast of *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* brought a unique blend of Broadway, television, and stand-up comedy experience to their roles, creating a chemistry that transcended the screen. Here is a look at the main actors who made the Portokalos family a cultural touchstone, including their birth details and career highlights.

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• Nia Vardalos (Toula Portokalos): Born September 24, 1962, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Vardalos not only starred in the films but also wrote the screenplay for all three, based on her one-woman stage show. For *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3*, she also took on the role of director, marking her feature directorial debut.
• John Corbett (Ian Miller): Born May 9, 1961, in Wheeling, West Virginia, USA. Prior to his role as the non-Greek love interest, Corbett was already famous for his roles as Chris Stevens on *Northern Exposure* and Aidan Shaw on *Sex and the City*. He has continued a successful career in film and television, including the *To All the Boys I've Loved Before* film series.
• Michael Constantine (Kostas "Gus" Portokalos): Born May 22, 1927, in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA. Constantine was an Emmy Award-winning actor best known for his role as the Windex-toting patriarch, Gus. His final on-screen appearance was in *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2*. He sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 94, a loss that heavily influenced the plot of the third film.
• Lainie Kazan (Maria Portokalos): Born Lainie Levine on May 15, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Kazan is an acclaimed singer and Broadway actress, known for her powerful voice and stage presence before playing the strong-willed mother, Maria.
• Andrea Martin (Aunt Voula): Born January 15, 1947, in Portland, Maine, USA. Martin is a highly decorated comedic actress, famous for her work on the sketch comedy series *SCTV*. She is a five-time Tony Award nominee and two-time winner, known for her scene-stealing role as the gossip-loving Aunt Voula.
• Louis Mandylor (Nikos "Nick" Portokalos): Born Elias Theodosopoulos on September 13, 1966, in Melbourne, Australia. Mandylor is known for his extensive work in independent action films and television, including a recurring role on *Friends* before playing Toula’s handsome and supportive brother, Nick.
• Gia Carides (Cousin Nikki): Born March 7, 1964, in Sydney, Australia. Carides is an Australian actress who gained recognition for her role in *Strictly Ballroom* before becoming Toula’s glamorous and witty Cousin Nikki.
• Joey Fatone (Cousin Angelo): Born Joseph Anthony Fatone Jr. on January 28, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Fatone was already a global pop star as a member of the boy band *NSYNC* before taking on the role of the energetic Cousin Angelo.

The Emotional Tribute in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 and New Faces

The release of *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3* in September 2023 was a poignant moment for the cast and fans alike, serving as a direct and emotional tribute to the late Michael Constantine.

The plot centers on the Portokalos family’s trip to Greece for a family reunion, fulfilling Gus Portokalos’s final wish to have his family visit his childhood village and reconnect with their roots. Nia Vardalos, as both writer and director, ensured the film honored the spirit of the late patriarch, whose absence is felt throughout the story.

The third installment also introduced several new characters and a fresh, modern perspective to the classic family dynamic.

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• Elena Kampouris (Paris Miller): Kampouris returns from the second film as Toula and Ian’s daughter, Paris. Her storyline in the third film focuses on her own journey of self-discovery in Greece.
• Elias Kacavas: A new addition to the cast, Kacavas plays a pivotal role in the Greek village storyline, connecting the family to their past.
• Stephanie Nur: Nur joined the cast as a new romantic interest, reflecting the theme of new beginnings and expanded family ties.
• Melina Kotselou (Victory): Kotselou’s character, Victory, is the village mayor and notably the franchise's first non-binary character. This inclusion was a significant step in updating the Portokalos family's world for a 2023 audience, showing the family’s capacity for acceptance and love across generations.

From $5 Million Budget to a $240 Million Phenomenon: The Film’s Enduring Legacy

The original *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* is one of the greatest success stories in independent film history. Its financial performance and cultural impact cemented its place as a cinematic landmark.

The 2002 film was made on a tiny budget of approximately $5 million. Upon its release, it had a slow start, opening in 20th place at the box office. However, thanks to incredible word-of-mouth and a long, sustained theatrical run, the film became a sleeper hit.

The movie went on to gross an astounding $241.4 million worldwide. This monumental success made it the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time at the domestic box office, a record it held for many years.

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The sequel, *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2* (2016), was made with a slightly larger budget of $18 million and still performed well, grossing over $90 million worldwide. While not matching the unprecedented success of the first, it proved the enduring popularity of the Portokalos family. The third film continues this legacy, driven by the cast’s powerful chemistry and Nia Vardalos’s commitment to the franchise.

The Cast's Current Projects and Where the Portokalos Family Stands Now

While the *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* franchise remains a career highlight for the cast, many of the actors have continued to pursue diverse and successful projects in the years between the sequels.

Nia Vardalos and John Corbett: After their work on *MBFGW 3*, both actors continue to work in Hollywood. Corbett, known for his versatility, has maintained a steady presence in romantic comedies and dramas. Vardalos has focused on writing and directing, using her platform to tell stories that resonate personally, much like the original film.

Andrea Martin: The beloved Aunt Voula, Andrea Martin, remains a titan of both comedy and Broadway. She is constantly working on stage and screen, with recent projects showcasing her incredible comedic timing, earning her multiple accolades throughout her career.

Joey Fatone: The *NSYNC* star and Cousin Angelo has successfully transitioned into a full-time television personality and host. Fatone has appeared on numerous reality and competition shows, including *Dancing with the Stars* and *The Masked Singer*, and has a prominent career as a host and announcer.

Louis Mandylor: Louis Mandylor, who plays Nick Portokalos, has an extensive filmography, particularly in the action and thriller genres, often working as both an actor and director in independent cinema. His return to the comedic role of Nick is a refreshing break from his more intense work.

The enduring success of the *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* cast is a testament to the universal appeal of their story. The three films, separated by over two decades, showcase a family that grows, adapts, and faces loss, all while staying true to their loud, loving, and wonderfully Greek roots.