Michael Constantine, born Gus Efstratiou on May 22, 1927, was a celebrated American actor whose career spanned several decades until his passing on August 31, 2021. He gained widespread fame for his unforgettable role as Kostas "Gus" Portokalos, the humorous and endearing Greek patriarch in the hit film My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), where he humorously championed the merits of Windex.
Before his film success, Constantine made a significant impact on television, particularly as the beleaguered high school principal Seymour Kaufman in ABC's acclaimed series Room 222. His outstanding performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1970, with further recognition from both the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards in the subsequent year. Following his tenure on Room 222, he took on the role of magistrate Matthew J. Sirota in the 1976 sitcom Sirota's Court, which garnered him a second Golden Globe nomination.
In addition to his memorable film role, Constantine returned to the character of Gus Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, released in 2016, delighting fans once more with his comedic charm and warmth. Throughout his career, Constantine left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his versatility and the heartfelt authenticity he brought to his performances.
