Nia Vardalos

**Antonia Eugenia Vardalos**, better known as **Nia Vardalos**, is a well-known Canadian actress, screenwriter, and director. Born on September 24, 1962, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Vardalos gained international fame for her starring role in the romantic comedy film *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002). The film not only won her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress but also resulted in the creation of a successful media franchise. Before this breakout role, Vardalos had already established herself in Chicago's Second City comedy repertory, performing in multiple comedy sketches. From small roles in TV shows like *The Drew Carey Show* and *Two Guys and a Girl* to providing voices for the 1996 radio adaptation of *Star Wars: Return of the Jedi*, she showcased her diverse talent. Her directorial debut came in 2009 with the independent film *I Hate Valentine's Day*. The film, about a florist finding romance, was made on a limited budget but still achieved reasonable success at the box office. Vardalos continued to write and star in successful movies like *Larry Crowne* and *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2*. She has also voiced characters in films and has performed on stage, notably her adaptation of Cheryl Strayed's book, *Tiny Beautiful Things*. In 2023, she reprised her role as Toula Portakalos in *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3*, serving both as director and screenwriter.