Who were Michael Constantine's wives? 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' star married twice
Michael Constantine, star of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' and the classic TV sitcom 'Room 222', was married and divorced twice in his lifetime. Both his former wives were actresses.
The Emmy-award-winning character actor died at his home in Reading, Pennsylvania aged 94, his agent Julia Buchwald, confirmed to The New York Times on September 8. Constantine's passing came as Hollywood mourned the deaths of several renowned actors this year. The tragic 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 with cancer at the age of 76.
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Constantine was widely recognized for his role as the Windex bottle-toting Greek father Kostas 'Gus' Portokalos in the blockbuster movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. Having starred in many more movies and TV shows in his career, he delivered a series of critically acclaimed performances and even won the Primetime Emmy awards for best supporting actor in a comedy.
Who were Michael Constantine's wives?
Constantine tied the knot with Julianna McCarthy, a renowned American actress, in 1953. They would be married for over 16 years and had two children together. However, things did not work out and they parted ways in 1969.
McCarthy was an original cast member of the soap opera 'The Young and the Restless' from 1973 to 1986. She played the matriarch Liz Foster and reprised the role in 1993, 2003–2004, and 2008, returning for her final appearance in June 2010. McCarthy has also acted in a diverse array of motion pictures including 'The Last American Virgin', 'The Distinguished Gentleman', 'The Frighteners', 'Starship Troopers', and 'Ted Bundy'. She also had a recurring role as Mila in 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine', had recurring roles in 'Paradise', and in the 1991 remake of 'Dark Shadows' as Mrs Johnson, the housekeeper.
In 1974, five years after divorcing McCarthy, Constantine married Kathleen Christopher, an actress who has mostly remained away from the spotlight. While the couple did not have any kids, they shared an amazing relationship for six years before divorcing in 1980. Christopher reportedly cut off all ties with the press and the limelight after parting ways with Constantine. She was not a renowned celebrity, but garnered attention about a decade ago when she landed a role in 'Ghost Detectives.'
As mentioned, Constantine's two children are both from his marriage with his first wife Julianna McCarthy. His eldest child is daughter Thea Eileen, now 65 years old, who is also an actress. His son Brendan Neil, now 55 years old, is a well-known author.
Constantine was born on May 22, 1927, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to Greek immigrant parents Theocharis Ioannides Efstratiou and Andromache Fotiadou. His last on-screen appearance was in the movie 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2', in which he played Gus Portokalos for a second time.