Celebrity2 min(s) read
Published 11:00 09 Sep 2021 GMT
Michael Constantine, who played the role of Kostas 'Gus' Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, has died aged 94.
Per CNN, Constantine's brother-in-law Michael Gordon confirmed the sad news of his death.
The late actor died peacefully of natural causes at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania, on August 31. According to Gordon, the actor was surrounded by his family and friends. He had been ill for some time.
Constantine made a name for himself for his performance in the American comedy-drama series Room 222, where he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1970.
The following year, he was recognized by the Emmy Awards, as well as the Golden Globes.
He then received his second Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal as night court magistrate Matthew J Sirota in the 1976 sitcom Sirota's Court.
Constantine graduated from Reading High School in 1946, and didn't stray too far from his hometown for the rest of his life.
"Last week he could still sing all four stanzas of the Reading High School alma mater from memory," Gordon told Daily Mail.
"He's always considered himself a Reading native. People would come up and say, 'You're from California,' [and he'd say] 'Oh no, I'm from Reading.'"
"But then he was called back to California. He always loved coming home. He was very much a family person. He loved his children, his siblings, his parents," he added.
Needless to say, his passing saw celebrities and fans alike flock to social media to pay their respects to the actor.
Actress Nia Vardalos - who played his daughter in My Big Fat Greek wedding - shared her fond memories with the actor, writing: "Michael Constantine, the dad to our cast-family, a gift to the written word, and always a friend."
She went on: "Acting with him came with a rush of love and fun. I will treasure this man who brought Gus to life. He gave us so much laughter and deserves a rest now. We love you Michael."
Meanwhile, West Wing actor Bradley Whitford wrote: "Michael Constantine was a terrific actor and a wonderfully kind man. Well done, sir. Rest In Peace."
