Cast Joins Nia Vardalos
in Big Fat Greek...
Conversations
Tuesday, December 3rd and
Thursday, December 5th
Los Angeles
Today's "Conversations" features the writer and leading actress of this summer's run away independent box office hit, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" Nia Vardalos, and cast members Michael Constantine, Louis Mandylor, and Ian Gomez.
MICHAEL CONSTANTINE
"Gus"
Veteran actor Michael Constantine portrays Gus Portokalos, Toula's opinionated father who owns a Greek restaurant called Dancing Zorba's. He believes that Windex cures everything.
Constantine has appeared in more than sixty guest-starring roles for episodic television, including such classics as "Law and Order, "Homicide," "The Untouchables," "The Twilight Zone," "The Fugitive" and "Mission Impossible." Perhaps his best-known TV role is that of Seymour Hoffman, the high school principal in "Room 222," which was a hit from 1969 to 1974.
LOUIS MANDYLOR
"Nick"
Louis Mandylor portrays Toula's brother Nick, a cook at the family-owned restaurant.
Born Louis Theodosopoulos in Melbourne, Australia, Mandylor made his American film debut in Necessary Roughness in 1991. His subsequent credits include Criminal Affairs, Champions, Enemy Action, and Final Payback.
IAN GOMEZ
"Mike"
Ian Gomez portrays Mike, Ian Miller's fellow teacher and best friend on a perpetual mission to fix Ian up.
A native New Yorker who performed with the "Second City" troupe in Chicago, he and his wife, Nia Vardalos moved to Los Angeles in 1994 and he subsequently earned the role of Larry Almada, a recurring character on "The Drew Carey Show," Gomez also plays the recurring role of Javier Clemente Quintata, manager of the coffee bar on "Felicity."
He has also guest-starred on such episodic shows as "The Norm Show," and "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?"
Gomez' motion picture credits include "EDTV", "The Big Tease", and "Meet Prince Charming".
Name: Nair Netta
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Comments: I saw the movie (more than six times until now)and I'm impressed with Nia Vardalos. She is a wonderful actress and she is so very very beautiful... I just love her!!! That I'm so far, I want she knows that I exist. Nia, you are the best! Thanks for exist! I love you!!! Your biggest fan... Nair Netta
Name: Diza Diaz
Location: Baldwin Park
Comments: It was great. I'm glad I had the opportunity to attend this program and benefit from all the wonderful information and inspiration that it gives to actors ("struggling") such as myself. Thank you Nia, Michael, Louis, Ian, and SAG Foundation!
Name: Edwin L. McCready III
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: Such an unpretentious, funny, generous group of actors! Thanks!
Name: Jacqueline Renee
Location: Carlsbad
Comments: Best ever! Really funny group of people and very inspirational.
Name: Yvette Brown
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: Nia Vardalos was so open, upbeat & fun. This was a pleasure! I loved the stories the cast had to tell!
Name: Ruth Otero
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: It was great and I loved the relaxed atmosphere!
Name: Bess Ferrell
Location: Mar Vista
Comments: This was so awesome! Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Name: Kassie Frenzelas
Location: Culver City
Comments: All the Conversations are great, but this one was beyond description. FABULOUS!
Name: Marcy Goldman
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: Nia Vardalos was fabulous! Excellent moderator. Evening was very smooth and informative.
Name: Alessia Costantini
Location: San Fernando Valley
Comments: From an Italian who's been mistaken for a big, hairy Greek - (And yes, I too am HAIRY!!), I am so INSPIRED by your success! I am a writer. My mom and I have shared your dream for myself over heaping plates of Ravioli! It was absolutely motivating to hear you speak, especially since I am only beginning my journey - having moved here 3 months ago. Thank you for showing it can be done and then coming to share and give me hope! I will clean floors on the set of your show for a chance to be near that magic. If you're looking to discover - - - DISCOVER ME!
Name: Peter DiCarlo
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: Thanks for a great night of sex - not with you....My date loved the movie and so did I.
Name: Bob Nuchow
Location: Los Angeles
Comments: Thank you Nia, Michael, Louis, and Ian. Thanks for sharing your wonderful stories, experiences, humor, heart, soul, and intellect with all of your peers tonight. You are all such an amazing source of hope and inspiration for the thousands of struggling actors in the Guild.
Name: Sarodjiny
Location: Studio City, CA
Comments: Thank you so much for inviting The cast of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" at the conversation. It was great to listen to all of them and specially Nia. She gave us some great positive advice. A Big Thanks to all of you at the foundation. Peace, Sarodjiny
Name: Pablo Lewin
Location: Glendora, CA
Comments: Both Useful and Entertaining , it was a truly inspirational experience, definitively a great value to SAG members...Nia and her cast were fantastic good show people!
Did you attend this "Conversations" event? If so,
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For more information, or to become involved in "Conversations," please contact Bob Nuchow, SAG Foundation Project Coordinator at (323) 549-6668 or conversations@sag.org.
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