Where Are They Now? The 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' Cast's Shocking New Lives And Triumphs

The Portokalos family’s journey is one of Hollywood’s greatest underdog stories, transforming a one-woman play into a global cinematic phenomenon that has spanned over two decades and three major films. As of today, the cast members from the original 2002 smash hit, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, have continued their careers with a mix of high-profile TV returns, directorial debuts, and poignant tributes, solidifying their legacy in the romantic comedy genre. The release of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 in 2023 brought the beloved family back to the big screen, but what have the actors been doing since they last said "Opa!" on screen?

The core ensemble, led by writer and star Nia Vardalos, has navigated everything from major television revivals to heart-wrenching loss, proving that the bond of their fictional family is as strong as the real-life friendships they forged. This deep dive reveals the most current projects, personal milestones, and surprising career pivots of the stars who made Toula and Ian's love story an international sensation, including the tribute to the late patriarch, Gus Portokalos.

The Portokalos Family Patriarch and Matriarch: Tributes and Triumphs

The heart of the Portokalos family was always the dynamic between the traditional parents, Gus and Maria. Their actors, Michael Constantine and Lainie Kazan, have had the most emotionally resonant updates in the years leading up to the most recent installment of the franchise.

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Michael Constantine (Kostas "Gus" Portokalos)

The actor who immortalized the Windex-loving, Greek-pride-fueled father, Gus Portokalos, sadly passed away at the age of 94 on August 31, 2021, of natural causes.

• Role in Franchise: Kostas "Gus" Portokalos, Toula's traditional, but loving, father. Known for his insistence that "every word comes from Greek" and his belief in Windex as a cure-all.
• Legacy: Constantine was an Emmy-winning actor, having won for his role as high school principal Seymour Kaufman in the 1970s series Room 222.
• Tribute in MBFGW 3: The plot of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is entirely dedicated to honoring his memory. The film centers on the Portokalos family traveling to Greece for a family reunion to fulfill Gus’s final wish: to visit his ancestral village and connect with his roots. Nia Vardalos, who wrote and directed the third film, dedicated the movie to him.
• Final Appearance: His final film appearance was in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 in 2016.

Lainie Kazan (Maria Portokalos)

Lainie Kazan, who played the resilient and protective matriarch Maria Portokalos, continues to be active in both performance and academia.

• Role in Franchise: Maria Portokalos, Toula's mother and the emotional anchor of the family, who provides guidance while maintaining Greek traditions.
• Recent Activity (2024): Kazan, a celebrated actress and singer, has maintained a public presence, including attending the premiere of The Italians in Los Angeles in March 2024 and giving interviews in July 2024.
• MBFGW 3 Involvement: She reprised her role in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, bringing her signature warmth and comedic timing back to the big screen.
• Academic Career: Beyond acting, Kazan has served as an adjunct professor at UCLA, teaching a class focused on "Acting for the Singer," demonstrating her commitment to the arts across multiple generations.

Nia Vardalos and John Corbett: The Lead Couple's Post-Wedding Careers

The central couple, Toula Portokalos and Ian Miller, have used the franchise's success as a springboard for diverse projects, with one star taking on a major new role behind the camera and the other returning to a career-defining TV character.

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Nia Vardalos (Fotoula "Toula" Portokalos)

Nia Vardalos not only starred in the third installment but also took the reins as the director, marking a significant milestone in her career.

• Role in Franchise: Writer of all three films, star as Toula Portokalos, and Director of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.
• MBFGW 3 Directorial Debut: Vardalos made her feature film directorial debut with MBFGW 3, filming on location in Greece, fulfilling a long-held dream and adding a deeply personal touch to the final product.
• New Film Project: She is currently developing a new ensemble comedy film titled Happy Mother's Day with Walden Media, where she is set to pen the script and star.
• Personal Life & Activism: Vardalos is a vocal advocate for adoption, having written the book Instant Mom about her own journey to motherhood, which continues to inspire others.

John Corbett (Ian Miller)

Corbett, known for his laid-back charm, has successfully balanced his film career with a major return to television, bringing his most famous TV character back to life.

• Role in Franchise: Ian Miller, the non-Greek love interest who marries Toula and becomes an honorary member of the Portokalos family.
• Major TV Return: Corbett reprised his iconic role as Aidan Shaw in Season 2 of the HBO Max series And Just Like That... (the sequel to Sex and the City). His reunion with Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw was one of the most highly anticipated television events of the season, showing his enduring appeal as a romantic lead.
• Other Notable Roles: He is also known for his roles in the TV series Northern Exposure and the Netflix film franchise To All the Boys I've Loved Before.
• MBFGW 3 Involvement: He returned as Toula's husband, Ian, in the 2023 film, continuing their cross-cultural love story.

The Hilarious Supporting Cast: Aunt Voula, Cousin Nikki, and Angelo

The true comedic gold of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding universe often came from the colorful and boisterous extended family. These actors have also maintained vibrant careers in film, television, and on stage.

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Andrea Martin (Aunt Voula)

Andrea Martin's portrayal of the oversharing and fiercely protective Aunt Voula made her a fan favorite, and she remains one of the busiest and most decorated members of the cast.

• Role in Franchise: Aunt Voula, the most outspoken and memorable aunt, famous for her eccentric stories and advice.
• MBFGW 3 Highlight: Martin was heavily featured in the promotion and interviews for My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, with her comedic presence being a key draw for the family's trip to Greece.
• Career Achievements: She is a two-time Tony Award winner and a five-time Emmy Award winner, with a long-running career in comedy, theater, and film.
• Recent Projects: Martin continues to appear in various television and film projects, showcasing her versatility beyond the Portokalos family.

Joey Fatone (Cousin Angelo) and Louis Mandylor (Nick Portokalos)

The cousins, who provided much of the comic relief and familial support, have also kept busy with diverse careers.

• Joey Fatone (Cousin Angelo): The former *NSYNC* member has carved out a successful career as a television host and reality star. He has hosted shows like The Singing Bee and regularly appears on various cooking and celebrity competition shows, maintaining a strong public profile. He reprised his role in MBFGW 3.
• Louis Mandylor (Nick Portokalos): Toula's brother, Nick, has maintained a prolific career in independent and action films. Mandylor has appeared in numerous projects across various genres, often taking on more dramatic and action-oriented roles that contrast sharply with his comedic turn in the Greek Wedding franchise.

The Next Generation: Elena Kampouris (Paris Miller)

The third film shifted focus to the next generation, with Toula and Ian's daughter, Paris, played by Elena Kampouris, taking a more central role.

• Role in Franchise: Paris Miller, Toula and Ian's daughter, whose own coming-of-age story was a focus of the second film.
• Career Trajectory: Kampouris has quickly become a rising star in Hollywood. She is known for her roles in the Netflix series Sacred Lies and the horror film Children of the Corn (2020).
• MBFGW 3 Role: Her character, Paris, is instrumental in the family's journey to Greece, representing the modern, globally connected generation of the Portokalos clan.

The Enduring Legacy of the Big Fat Greek Family

The journey of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding cast from a small independent film to a beloved trilogy is a testament to the universal themes of family, love, and cultural identity. The latest installment, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, serves as both a joyous family reunion and a heartfelt farewell to the late Michael Constantine, ensuring that the spirit of Gus Portokalos—and the entire Portokalos family—will continue to inspire laughter and love for years to come. The cast members, from Nia Vardalos's new role as director to John Corbett's surprising return to a beloved HBO character, prove that their careers, much like their family, are constantly evolving and thriving.