Olympia Dukakis

Olympia Dukakis

Born:June 20, 1931

Place of Birth:Lowell, Massachusetts, USA

Died:May 1, 2021

Known For:Acting

Biography

Olympia Dukakis, born on June 20, 1931, was a remarkable American actress who left an indelible mark on both stage and screen throughout her illustrious career. With a passion for storytelling that spanned over six decades, Dukakis graced more than 130 stage productions, 60 films, and 50 television series, showcasing her immense talent and versatility as a performer.

While she became widely recognized for her captivating on-screen performances, Dukakis initially honed her craft in the theater world, where her talent shone brightly. Her dedication and skill were quickly acknowledged when she clinched the prestigious Obie Award for Best Actress in 1963 for her outstanding portrayal in Bertolt Brecht's Man Equals Man during an off-Broadway production.

Transitioning seamlessly from stage to film, Dukakis's career reached new heights when she delivered a stellar performance in the romantic comedy classic, Moonstruck (1987). Her portrayal earned her both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Subsequent to this groundbreaking role, she continued to impress audiences with her exceptional talent, garnering accolades and nominations for her work in projects like Sinatra (1992), Lucky Day (1991), More Tales of the City (1998), and Joan of Arc (1999).

Beyond her on-screen achievements, Dukakis shared her captivating journey and insights in her autobiography, "Ask Me Again Tomorrow: A Life in Progress," which offered a glimpse into her extraordinary life and career. Her impact on the industry was further immortalized in the 2018 documentary, "Olympia," a poignant tribute that delved into the life and legacy of this iconic actress.

Throughout her career, Dukakis captivated audiences with her unmatched charisma, depth, and authenticity in every role she undertook. Her ability to bring characters to life with nuance and emotion left an enduring impression on viewers worldwide, cementing her as a true cinematic legend. Though she may have left this world on May 1, 2021, her legacy continues to inspire and resonate with fans and aspiring actors alike, ensuring that her contributions to the world of entertainment will never be forgotten.

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Olympia Dukakis
Olympia Dukakis
Olympia Dukakis

Filmography

Acting

Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

Olympia Dukakis (uncredited)

1994

Frank Drebin is persuaded out of retirement to go undercover in a state prison. There he has to find out what top terrorist, Rocco, has planned for when he escapes. Adding to his problems, Frank's wife, Jane, is desperate for a baby.
Moonstruck

Moonstruck

Rose Castorini

1987

37-year-old Italian-American widow Loretta Castorini believes she is unlucky in love, and so accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend Johnny, even though she doesn't love him. When she meets his estranged younger brother Ronny, an emotional and passionate man, she finds herself drawn to him. She tries to resist, but Ronny, who blames his brother for the loss of his hand, has no scruples about aggressively pursuing her while Johnny is out of the country. As Loretta falls for Ronny, she learns that she's not the only one in her family with a secret romance.
Steel Magnolias

Steel Magnolias

Clairee Belcher

1989

A young beautician, newly arrived in a small Louisiana town, finds work at the local salon, where a small group of women share a close bond of friendship and welcome her into the fold.
Death Wish

Death Wish

Cop at the Precinct (uncredited)

1974

After his wife is murdered by street punks, a pacifistic New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad, prowling the streets for would-be muggers after dark.
Working Girl

Working Girl

Personnel Director

1988

Tess McGill is an ambitious secretary with a unique approach for climbing the ladder to success. When her classy, but villainous boss breaks a leg skiing, Tess takes over her office, her apartment and even her wardrobe. She creates a deal with a handsome investment banker that will either take her to the top, or finish her off for good.
The Infiltrator

The Infiltrator

Aunt Vicky

2016

A U.S Customs official uncovers a massive money laundering scheme involving Pablo Escobar.
The Librarian: Quest for the Spear

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear

Margie Carsen

2004

When a magical artifact is lifted from his library, a meek librarian sets out to ensure its safe return.
Jeffrey

Jeffrey

Mrs. Marcangelo

1995

Jeffrey, a gay man living in New York City with an overwhelming fear of contracting AIDS, concludes that being celibate is the only option to protect himself. As fate would have it, shortly after his declaration of a sex-free existence, he meets the handsome Steve Howard, his dream man -- except for his HIV-positive status. Facing this dilemma, Jeffrey turns to his best friend and an outrageous priest for guidance.
Picture Perfect

Picture Perfect

Rita

1997

A young advertising executive's life becomes increasingly complicated when, in order to impress her boss, she pretends to be engaged to a man she has just met.
Mr. Holland's Opus

Mr. Holland's Opus

Principal Jacobs

1995

In 1965, passionate musician Glenn Holland takes a day job as a high school music teacher, convinced it's just a small obstacle on the road to his true calling: writing a historic opus. As the decades roll by with the composition unwritten but generations of students inspired through his teaching, Holland must redefine his life's purpose.
Look Who's Talking Too

Look Who's Talking Too

Rosie

1990

Mollie and James are together and raising a family, which now consists of an older Mikey and his baby sister, Julie. Tension between the siblings arises, and as well with Mollie and James when Mollie's brother Stuart moves in. Mikey is also learning how to use the toilet for the first time.
The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines

The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines

Margie Carsen

2006

After retrieving the Crystal Skull in Utah, Flynn Carsen receives a map in the mail with the secret location of King Solomon's Mines. When the scroll is stolen, Judson explains the power of the Key of Solomon's book and assigns Flynn to retrieve the map. The map is useless without the legend piece to decipher it, which is located in Volubilis near the Roman ruins in Morocco. Flynn heads to Casablanca to the ruins where he is chased by a group of mercenaries leaded by General Samir. They too want to find the location of King Solomon's mines. Flynn teams-up with Professor Emily Davenport working in the dig and they escape from General Samir and his men. While traveling to Gedi, they save the local Jomo from death and the trio faces a dangerous journey through the wild Africa.
Look Who's Talking Now!

Look Who's Talking Now!

Rosie

1993

When high-powered executive Samantha LeBon hatches a scheme to spend a romantic Christmas with her new employee – the unsuspecting, blithesome James – his wife, their kids and their two dogs, Rocks and Daphne, must rescue him before he makes a terrible mistake.
Jane Austen's Mafia!

Jane Austen's Mafia!

Sophia

1998

Takeoff on the Godfather with the son of a mafia king taking over for his dying father.
In the Land of Women

In the Land of Women

Phyllis

2007

After a bad breakup with his girlfriend leaves him heartbroken, Carter Webb moves to Michigan to take care of his ailing grandmother. Once there, he gets mixed up in the lives of the mother and daughters who live across the street.

Production