Greek movie stars born in 1941
Here are 7 famous actors from Greece were born in 1941:
Stathis Giallelis
Stathis Giallelis (January 21, 1941 Kalamata-) is a Greek actor.
He was born and raised in Greece and moved to the United States in the 1960s to pursue an acting career. Giallelis is best known for his role in the 1963 film "America, America," directed by Elia Kazan. He was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in the film. Giallelis went on to have a successful career in film and television, appearing in projects such as "The Godfather Part III," "Bingo," and "Beyond the Sea." He also worked as a producer, director, and writer, and has been a prominent figure in the Greek American community, supporting various organizations and causes.
In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, Stathis Giallelis is also well-known for his humanitarian work. He is the founder and chairman of the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Greek-American college students in need. Giallelis also served as the Chairman of the Greek America Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Greek culture and heritage. In recognition of his contributions, Giallelis has received numerous awards and honors, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Golden Alexander Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greek Ministry of Culture. Despite his success and achievements, Giallelis has remained deeply connected to his Greek roots, and has often spoken about the importance of preserving and celebrating Greek culture and traditions.
Nico Mastorakis
Nico Mastorakis (April 28, 1941 Athens-) also known as Nikolaos Mastorakis or Nick Mastorakis is a Greek film producer, actor, film director, film editor and screenwriter.
Nico Mastorakis began his career as a journalist, working for Greek and American publications. He then transitioned into film and television production, creating numerous projects in Greece and the United States. Mastorakis is known for his work in horror and thriller films, including "Island of Death" (1976) and "The Zero Boys" (1986). He also directed the erotic thriller "In the Cold of the Night" (1990) and the action film "Gladiator Cop" (1995). Additionally, Mastorakis has authored several books and plays. He is a noted advocate for animal rights and is involved with several animal welfare organizations.
Mastorakis first gained international attention with his controversial film "Island of Death", which was banned in several countries due to its graphic violence and sexual content. Despite the controversy, the film has since become a cult classic. Mastorakis continued to work in the horror genre with films such as "The Wind" (1986) and "Grandmother's House" (1988).
In addition to his work in film, Mastorakis has also produced and directed several television series, including the Greek drama "Ta Mystika Tis Edem" and the American crime series "Nightmare Cafe". He is known for being a hands-on filmmaker, often working multiple roles on his productions.
Mastorakis was also a pioneer in the use of digital technology in film production, using a digital camera to shoot his feature film "Hindsight" (2008). In 2021, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 42nd Fantasporto film festival in Portugal.
Despite his success in the film industry, Mastorakis remains committed to animal welfare causes. He is a member of the board of directors for the Greek Animal Welfare Fund and has established his own animal sanctuary on the island of Crete.
Alkis Yannakas
Alkis Yannakas (August 1, 1941 Athens-) a.k.a. Christos Yannakas is a Greek actor.
He started his career in the theater and eventually transitioned to film and television. Yannakas has appeared in numerous films and TV series, including "Stella," "Deka mikroi Mitsoi," and "Oi Aparadektoi." He has won several awards for his acting, including the Best Actor award at the Thessaloniki Film Festival in 1987 for his role in "Viografiko Portreto." In addition to his acting career, Yannakas is also a writer, with several books published. He has been praised for his contributions to both Greek theater and cinema, and is considered an important figure in the industry.
Yannakas' acting career spans over 50 years, with over 70 films and TV series to his name. His performances are known for their depth and authenticity, often portraying complex and troubled characters. Some of his notable films include "120 Decibels," "Eduart," and "The Last Note."
In addition to his acting and writing, Yannakas has also been involved in social and political causes. He is a supporter of the Greek socialist political party, Syriza, and has been vocal on issues such as workers' rights and the environment.
Yannakas continues to act and write, and is considered a revered figure in Greek cinema and theater. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Athens International Film Festival.
Petros Leokratis
Petros Leokratis (March 28, 1941 Athens-) is a Greek film director, actor and television director.
He studied at the Drama School of the National Theatre of Greece and started his career as an actor in the theater before moving on to film and television. Leokratis has directed over 40 films, including feature films, documentaries, and television series. Some of his most notable films include "The Killer", "The Accusation", and "The Story of Apollonius, King of Tyre". He has also acted in several films and television shows, including "The Longest Day", "The Girl with the Golden Boots", and "The Spartans". In addition to his work in film and television, Leokratis has also directed several stage productions and has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to Greek cinema.
Leokratis is known for his distinctive storytelling style and his films often explore themes of social injustice, cultural identity, and political unrest. He has been praised for his ability to capture the essence of Greek culture and history in his works, and several of his films have been recognized with international awards and critical acclaim.
In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Leokratis has also been a leading figure in Greek television. He has directed several popular television series, including "The Island", "The Telemachus Family", and "The Last Night". His work in television has helped to shape the Greek television landscape and has been instrumental in bringing attention to significant political and social issues in Greece.
Over the course of his career, Leokratis has been honored with many awards and accolades, including the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival and the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. In 2013, he was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hellenic Film Academy for his outstanding contributions to Greek cinema. Today, Leokratis continues to be an active member of the Greek film and television community, and his work remains an important part of the cultural landscape of Greece.
Giannis Poulopoulos
Giannis Poulopoulos (June 29, 1941 Kardamyli-) a.k.a. John Poulopoulos or Yannis Poulopoulos is a Greek singer-songwriter and actor. He has one child, Alexandra Poulopoulou.
Giannis Poulopoulos is considered as one of the most important Greek artists of his generation with significant contributions in the Greek music industry. He has released numerous albums throughout his career and is known for his unique voice, which has earned him a dedicated fan base that spans generations.
Aside from his music career, Poulopoulos has also made several appearances on the big and small screens. He has acted in several films, including "The Trojan Women" (1971) and "O Drakos" (1956), and has also made several guest appearances on television shows.
Poulopoulos is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his involvement with UNICEF. He has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization, using his platform to promote children's rights and highlight the importance of education.
Despite his many achievements, Poulopoulos remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record new music, inspiring new generations of Greek artists and music fans.
In addition to his successful music career and acting roles, Giannis Poulopoulos has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to Greek art and culture. He was awarded the Best Male Singer Award at the Thessaloniki Song Festival in 1969 and was inducted into the Greek Hall of Fame in 2001.
Poulopoulos has also been recognized for his activism and humanitarian work. In 1986, he received the Cross of Merit from the Greek Red Cross for his contributions to the organization. In 2013, he was awarded the Golden Key by the Greek City Club of New York for his contributions to Greek culture and his philanthropy.
Despite facing health issues in recent years, Giannis Poulopoulos has remained active and continues to perform for his fans. He is a beloved figure in Greece and has left a lasting impact on its music industry and culture as a whole.
Kostas Prekas
Kostas Prekas (August 20, 1941 Egaleo-) a.k.a. Dean Byron or Costas Precas is a Greek actor.
Prekas started his acting career in the 1960s and quickly became a popular face in Greek cinema. He has appeared in more than 100 films, including "The Red Lanterns", "The Man with the Carnation", and "The Island". Prekas has also acted in several theater productions and television series. In addition to his acting career, he has also worked as a singer, songwriter, and screenwriter. Prekas has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Greek State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1983. He is considered one of the most important actors of Greek cinema.
Prekas was born in the Egaleo district of Athens and grew up in the neighboring city of Piraeus. He studied theater at the National Theater of Greece Drama School and made his acting debut in the 1962 film "Under the Greek Sun". Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Prekas appeared in a number of popular Greek films, including "The Counterfeiters", "Dear Children", and "The Heiress". He also worked with renowned Greek directors such as Nikos Koundouros, Michael Cacoyannis, and Costas Ferris.
In addition to his acting career, Prekas has written the screenplays for several films, including "I Umbriago" and "Anatomy of a Crime". He has also released several albums as a singer and songwriter, including "Songs for Greece" and "The Love I Shared".
Prekas has been recognized for his contributions to Greek cinema with several awards and honors throughout his career. In addition to the Greek State Film Award, he has also received the Best Actor award at the Thessaloniki Film Festival and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Despite his success, Prekas has remained humble and dedicated to his craft, continuing to act in film, television, and theater well into his seventies.
Mihalis Giannatos
Mihalis Giannatos (July 11, 1941 Istanbul-September 17, 2013 Athens) a.k.a. Michael Yannatos, Michael Jannatos, Michalis Yannatos, Mihail Giannatos, Mihalis Yannatos, Michalis Giannatos or Michael Giannatos was a Greek actor. He had three children, Gerasimos Giannatos, Ioannis Giannatos and Maria Giannatos.
Giannatos was born to a family of Greek refugees who had fled from Turkey. He graduated from the Greek National Theatre Drama School in 1965 and began his acting career soon after. He appeared in numerous films, TV shows and stage productions throughout his career, including the critically acclaimed film "Happy Day" (1976) directed by Pantelis Voulgaris. Giannatos was also known for his work as a voice actor, having dubbed the voices of many famous actors into Greek.
In addition to acting, Giannatos was also a respected acting coach and mentor. He taught at the Greek National Theatre Drama School for over 20 years and also taught at the Athens Conservatory. Many of his former students went on to become successful actors in their own right.
Giannatos was recognized for his contributions to Greek theatre and film with numerous awards over the years, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the Thessaloniki Film Festival for his role in "The Fruit Trees" (1983). He passed away in Athens in 2013 at the age of 72.
Throughout his career, Giannatos was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances. In addition to his work on stage and screen, he also lent his talent to radio dramas and commercials. He was a staunch advocate for the arts in Greece and was involved in various cultural organizations throughout his life.
Giannatos was not only admired for his talent but also for his kind and generous nature. He was beloved by his colleagues and students alike for his unwavering support and guidance. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and he remains one of Greece's most respected and celebrated actors.