The Shocking New Lives Of The 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' Cast: Where Are They Now In 2025?

The Portokalos family is back in the spotlight, but the lives of the actors from My Big Fat Greek Wedding are far more dramatic and surprising than their on-screen counterparts. Since the release of the third installment in 2023, the core cast has moved on to a fascinating array of new projects, from Broadway returns to directorial debuts, with one major star even confessing a shocking regret about his entire Hollywood career as of this December 2025 update.

The global phenomenon that started with a small, independent romantic comedy in 2002 has cemented its cast as beloved cultural icons. Now, over two decades later, we dive deep into the current careers, major life updates, and latest projects of Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, and the rest of the hilarious, tight-knit cast.

Nia Vardalos: The Heart of the Portokalos Family

Nia Vardalos is the undisputed creative force behind the My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise, having written and starred in all three films. Her career continues to thrive on both screen and stage, with her latest work showing a strong focus on theater in 2024 and 2025.

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Nia Vardalos Biography & Profile:

• Full Name: Antonia Eugenia "Nia" Vardalos
• Born: September 24, 1962 (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
• Notable Roles: Toula Portokalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding trilogy), Genevieve Gernier (Connie and Carla)
• Writings/Directing: Writer of all three My Big Fat Greek Wedding films; Director of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 and I Hate Valentine's Day
• Awards/Nominations: Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay (My Big Fat Greek Wedding)
• Recent Focus: Stage acting and play adaptation.

Vardalos has been deeply involved in the world of theater. She debuted her stage project, the Oscar-nominated Canadian-Greek director's work Tiny Beautiful Things, in Athens, a significant cultural moment for her Greek heritage.

In a major Off-Broadway commitment, Vardalos joined the rotating cast of the play Pen Pals, with performances scheduled from December 5, 2024, through February 9, 2025. This shows her dedication to the craft beyond her blockbuster film franchise, cementing her status as a versatile writer and performer.

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John Corbett’s Shocking Career Confession and Latest Projects

John Corbett, who plays the lovable non-Greek husband Ian Miller, has been making headlines not for a new role, but for a surprising personal reflection on his decades-long career. In a series of candid interviews in mid-2024, Corbett shocked fans by admitting he regrets his career choice, stating he picked the "wrong thing to do" with his life.

The veteran actor, also known for his roles in Sex and the City and Northern Exposure, explained that he found acting to be "unfulfilling" and that he would have preferred a different path. This unexpected confession from a beloved Hollywood figure has sparked considerable conversation about the true nature of celebrity and career satisfaction, even at the height of fame.

Despite his personal feelings, Corbett remains a fixture on screen. He continues his popular role as Aidan Shaw in the Sex and the City sequel series, And Just Like That..., which aired its latest season in 2024. His commitment to the My Big Fat Greek Wedding family was evident in MBFGW 3 (2023), where he returned to Greece with Toula to fulfill her late father Gus's final wish, honoring the character of the late Michael Constantine.

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The Portokalos Family: Updates on Aunt Voula, Maria, and Nick

The true magic of the franchise lies in the ensemble cast, the boisterous Portokalos family. Many of these actors, who brought characters like Aunt Voula and Maria to life, have incredibly busy schedules extending well into 2025, proving their enduring appeal.

Andrea Martin (Aunt Voula)

The scene-stealing Andrea Martin, famous for her hilarious performance as Aunt Voula, is a celebrated veteran of both stage and screen. Her recent work is heavily focused on the theater world.

• Broadway & Off-Broadway Commitments: Martin is set to star in an Off-Broadway production of Meet the Cartozians, scheduled to run from October 29 to December 7, 2025.
• Concert Appearance: She is also slated to join the cast of a one-night-only concert of Operation Mincemeat in April 2025 at Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
• Legacy: A two-time Emmy Award winner, Martin’s presence continues to elevate every project she touches, from her work in SCTV to the My Big Fat Greek Wedding sequels.

Lainie Kazan (Maria Portokalos)

Lainie Kazan, the matriarch Maria Portokalos, is making a return to film with several exciting projects slated for 2025.

• Upcoming Films: Kazan is credited as an actor in the upcoming film The Italians (2025).
• New Mob Comedy: She is also set to appear in the comedy film Mobbed Up, which is scheduled for a 2025 release, showcasing her ability to tackle diverse genres.

Louis Mandylor (Nick Portokalos)

Louis Mandylor, who plays Toula’s brother Nick Portokalos, has been incredibly prolific, focusing on action films and stepping behind the camera as a director.

• Directorial Debut: Mandylor directed the WWII action film Death March, starring Scott Adkins. Principal photography took place in late July and August 2024.
• Action Roles: He also starred in the action-thriller movie Hellhound (2024) and is involved in the 2025 film Prisoner of War. His career trajectory highlights a move toward high-octane, genre-specific filmmaking, a contrast to the gentle comedy of the Portokalos family.

The Extended Family: Joey Fatone's Broadway Comeback

Joey Fatone, the former *NSYNC star who played Toula’s cousin Angelo, has returned to his roots in the entertainment industry with a major Broadway role.

• Broadway Return: Fatone is scheduled to return to Broadway in the musical & Juliet, taking over the role of Lance beginning January 21, 2025. This marks his first major Broadway appearance in two decades, following previous roles in Rent and Little Shop of Horrors.
• Music Tour: In 2024, Fatone was also busy on the road, embarking on a co-headlining tour with AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, titled A Legendary Night Tour.

The careers of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding cast members are as varied and vibrant as the Portokalos family itself. From Nia Vardalos’s continued success as a playwright and director to John Corbett’s surprising, introspective confession about Hollywood, and the busy stage and film careers of the supporting actors, this beloved ensemble continues to evolve and surprise audiences in 2025 and beyond.