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How did Michael Constantine die? A look at ‘Room 222’ star's films amid death at 94

Emmy-award winning actor dies at home in Pennsylvania agent confirms, tributes pour in on social media as fans remember hit TV show in his memory

Emmy-award-winning character actor Michael Constantine has died at 94, his agent confirmed on September 8. Constantine's death was confirmed by agent Julia Buchwald, in a statement to The New York Times. According to Buchwald, Constantine died at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania. It's unclear if he was surrounded by family, but we do know he is survived by his two sisters Patricia Gordon and Chris Dobbs.

Constantine's passing comes as the film industry mourns many beloved stars in 2021 who died. The long list includes 'The Wire' star Michael K Williams, who died on September 6 from a suspected drug overdose. A day before, British actress, model, and singer Sarah Harding succumbed to cancer. On August 23, 'Dynasty' star Michael Nader also lost his battle to cancer, at the age of 76. 

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Since news of Constantine's passing became public, thousands of fans have taken to social media to mourn the man behind Windex bottle-toting Greek father Kostas 'Gus' Portokalos. However, even greater than his role in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', it appears Constantine has been immortalized for his role as Seymour Kaufman on the ABC drama 'Room 222'. The show is now going viral, as people remember Constantine's much-loved role.

How did Michael Constantine die?

According to Buchwald, the actor died of natural causes but declined to go into further details. The Times was also unable to get a list of all survivors, beyond his sisters. Constantine was married twice, to Julianna McCarthy and then to Kathleen Christopher. He has two children - Thea Eileen and Brendan Neil. Both ended in divorce. Constantine's brother-in-law, Michael Gordon told The Daily Mail the actor "died peacefully" surrounded by family and friends. According to Gordon, Constantine died on August 31. It was reported he was battling some illness, but details were kept under wraps. 

The family has also not revealed where Constantine's funeral took place. Shortly after news of his death was confirmed, several of his co-stars including reel-life daughter Nia Vardalos took to social media to eulogize the beloved star. Over the course of six decades, he appeared on numerous TV shows and films, but his career is perhaps best remembered by his iconic roles of Portokalos and Kaufman. As eulogized by the Times, Constantine "was routinely cast by Hollywood to portray a welter of ethnicities." None more memorable than Kaufman though, as social media indicates.

'Let's all break out the Windex in his honor'

"Always great. Loved him on Room 222, one of my favorite shows. Rest In Peace, Michael Constantine," one person tweeted. Another said, "Oh man, I always liked him from the early 70s when Mr. Constantine was in Room 222. So many memorable roles, including the dad on My Big Fat Greek Wedding RIP to a Hollywood legend." Journalist Sam Rubin tweeted, "Sad about this. "Room 222," was an incredibly important show that was *way* ahead of its' time. Much of the series was shot on location at Los Angeles High School on Olympic Blvd. Michael Constantine was the well meaning anchor of that show...& much more."

NYT reporter Margalit Fox tweeted, "As a kid, I adored him in "Room 222." R.I.P. Michael Constantine. Let's all break out the Windex in his honor." Another noted, "I remember Room 222 - it was a big deal for a little Greek girl like me to have representation on TV - maybe it’s apropos he’s probably remembered best for My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He was all our dad. RIP Michael Constantine." Vardalos, who played Constantine's daughter in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' tweeted "Michael Constantine, the dad to our cast-family, a gift to the written word, and always a friend. 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."

Constantine's portrayal of Kaufman in 'Room 222' led him to win an Emmy in 1970, as well as a Golden Globe in 1971. He also received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for his role as Portokalos. Beyond those two hit roles though, Constantine appeared in numerous other shows and films over the course of several decades including 'The Last Mile', 'The North Avenue Irregulars', and Stephen King's 'Thinner'.