Nico Lathouris

Nico Lathouris, born in 1944, is an accomplished Australian actor and writer with a notable career spanning several decades. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of George Polides in the 1993 romantic comedy *The Heartbreak Kid* and George Poulos in the 1994 television drama *Heartbreak High*. In both roles, he embodied the character of a Greek Australian patriarch, showcasing his cultural roots. His performance in *The Heartbreak Kid* earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 1993 Australian Film Institute Awards.

A second-generation Greek Australian, Lathouris was born to Greek immigrant parents in Melbourne. His theatrical journey began in 1977 when he acted in David Hare's play *Fanshen* with the Nimrod Theatre Company. He also appeared in the acclaimed television series *Police Rescue*, where he received a nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama at the 1991 AFI Awards.

Lathouris has made significant contributions to the film industry as a co-screenwriter for the critically acclaimed *Mad Max: Fury Road* (2015) and the upcoming *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga* (2024), collaborating with renowned director George Miller and writer Brendan McCarthy. Their work garnered them nominations for the Saturn Award for Best Writing at the 42nd Saturn Awards and recognition from the Film Critics Circle of Australia for Best Script/Screenplay.

Beyond his acting and writing, Lathouris has played a pivotal role in mentoring young actors and fostering authentic cultural representation in Australian television, particularly through his involvement in *Heartbreak High*, which celebrated the nation’s diverse cultural landscape.