> At a Glance
> – Andrea Martin credits the late Michael Constantine as the glue behind My Big Fat Greek Wedding
> – Constantine, who died in 2021, played the Windex-loving patriarch Gus Portokalos
> – His absence was deeply felt during production of the 2023 third film
> – Why it matters: Fans get an intimate look at the off-screen respect that powered the franchise’s heart
Andrea Martin has revealed which co-star she believes truly “held My Big Fat Greek Wedding together,” and her answer highlights the enduring legacy of Michael Constantine.
A Co-Star’s Tribute
Speaking exclusively with News Of Los Angeles at the Broadway opening night of Bug on January 8, Martin, 78, reflected on the beloved film series. She portrayed Aunt Voula throughout the franchise.
> “I’ll never forget Michael Constantine, who [played] the father. He was really missed from the last movie. [He] was such a presence and held the movie together. So he was greatly missed.”
Constantine’s Legacy
- Role: Kostas “Gus” Portokalos, the Windex-wielding family patriarch
- Films featured: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)
- Passed away: 2021 at age 94, before production began on the third installment
Although Constantine did not appear in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, the 2023 sequel honored him by centering its plot on a family trip to Greece to fulfill his character’s final wish.
Writer-Director’s Seal of Approval
**Nia Vardalos, who wrote, directed, and starred in the films, previously shared on Instagram that Constantine had given his blessing for the franchise to continue without him.
> “He had told me he wouldn’t be able to join us for the third film and his wish was that we go on. I wrote the screenplay to reflect Michael’s decision and will always treasure his last messages to me.”
Key Takeaways
- Andrea Martin publicly praises Michael Constantine as the cornerstone of the Greek Wedding set
- Constantine’s 2021 death created a noticeable void during filming of the third movie
- The 2023 sequel kept his memory alive through a storyline built around his character’s legacy
- The tribute reinforces the off-screen family bond that fans have cherished for over two decades
Martin’s candid salute underscores that the heart of My Big Fat Greek Wedding beats strongest when honoring the ensemble that made it a global phenomenon.
