Michael Constantine

**Michael Constantine**, also known as **Gus Efstratiou**, (1927-2021) was an award-winning American actor, widely recognized for his portrayal of Kostas "Gus" Portokalos in the film _My Big Fat Greek Wedding_ (2002). This role earned him a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Musical or Comedy. His early career was deeply rooted in television where he received the Primetime Emmy Award for his performance as Seymour Kaufman in ABC's comedy-drama, _Room 222_. His fame escalated with a role on the 1976 sitcom _Sirota's Court_, which led to his second Golden Globe nomination. Constantine reprised his role as Gus Portokalos in _My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2_ (2016). Born to Greek immigrant parents in Reading, Pennsylvania, he started his career on the New York stage in the mid-1950s, also gaining experience in film and various television roles. A few of his notable appearances were on _Perry Mason_, _The Fugitive_, and _The Untouchables_. In 1988, he made an appearance on the television series _Friday the 13th_ and later portrayed Santa Claus in _Prancer (1989)_. His career saw a robust resurgence in 2002 with _My Big Fat Greek Wedding_. Michael Constantine passed away in Reading, Pennsylvania, in August 2021, at the age of 94, and _My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3_ was dedicated to his memory.