Introduction
Michael Constantine, the beloved actor, passed away on August 31, 2021, at the age of 94. Born in Reading, PA, Constantine was a versatile actor who appeared in numerous movies and TV shows throughout his career. In this blog post, we pay tribute to the late actor and celebrate his life and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Michael Constantine was born on May 22, 1927, in Reading, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Greek immigrants and grew up in a bilingual household. After serving in the US Army during World War II, Constantine pursued a career in acting. He made his Broadway debut in 1955 and went on to appear in several stage productions.
Constantine’s first major film role was in “The Hustler” (1961), in which he played a pool player named Big John. He went on to appear in several other movies, including “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002), which became a massive box office hit. Constantine’s portrayal of Gus Portokalos, the patriarch of a Greek-American family, earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award.
TV Career
Constantine was also a familiar face on TV. He appeared in several popular TV shows, including “Perry Mason,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” However, his most famous TV role was as Principal Seymour Kaufman in the hit TV series “Room 222” (1969-1974).
Constantine’s portrayal of Principal Kaufman was praised for its humor and warmth, and he won an Emmy Award for his performance in 1970. He went on to appear in several other TV shows, including “The Golden Girls,” “Law & Order,” and “ER.”
Legacy
Michael Constantine’s career spanned over six decades, and he left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He was a talented actor who could effortlessly switch between comedy and drama, and he brought a unique charm and wit to every role he played.
Constantine will be remembered for his iconic performances in movies like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and TV shows like “Room 222.” He was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and will be deeply missed by his fans and colleagues.
Conclusion
Michael Constantine was a legendary actor who brought joy and laughter to millions of people around the world. His passing is a great loss to the entertainment industry, but his legacy will live on through his work. We will always remember him as a talented actor, a kind-hearted person, and a true icon of the screen.
