Hollywood Told Nia Vardalos Being Greek Was a ‘Problem’

Actress Nia Vardalos recalls how defying skeptics by embracing her heritage led to success with My Big Fat Greek Wedding and throughout her career.
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00:00 Nia Vardalos too greek to be a star
00:27 Nia Vardalos channeled greek family stories into a screenplay
00:50 How Nia Vardalos one-woman show became My Big Fat Greek Wedding
01:12 Nia Vardalos realized her story was everyones story
01:31 Nia Vardalos on losing her father and on-screen dad
02:15 Nia Vardalos on directing My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3
03:08 Nia Vardalos on what success means to her
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[@ratride1]

My name is Nick and I have to say your first movie made me laugh so much. I have 40 first cousins. I’ll have to check out your newest move as you said we are now the grown up’s. All but a few aunts and uncles are still alive. All I can say is thank you!

[@lupechacon-florez7520]

Nia come back to Astoria come visit us. Beautiful people, beautiful country, beautiful culture, and the most wonderful movies I’ve ever seen. They keep my spirits up.

[@katanaki3059]

Love this story, this actress, this culture!

[@NatalieZii]

I had no idea she wrote the film. Crazy!

[@cindydrevs3489]

Can’t wait to see the new movie!

[@r.t.aegean3236]

It is really and truly beyond me how anyone survives - much less thrives - in that unenlightened "Hollywood Machinating Machine"! Many thanks for sharing this insightful podcast with us on KZbin!!

[@lucymisti]

Not just Hollywood, but life

[@r.t.aegean3236]

@@lucymisti You've definitely got a point there, Ms. Misti ... one that I try not to dwell upon too much, if you don't mind my saying so ...

[@gerica82]

Yes but first thanks goes to Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks

[@user-wn6kn6jg7w]

I just have three favorite movies but your first film always cheers me up

[@MayaMaia311]

I watched MBFGW like 1000000-times. I am not Greek. My family is more like dry Miller toast family and I always yearned for a big fat loud happy family.

[@DirtyInc.]

Beautiful then and now.

[@ruthfigueroa4163]

I’ve seen my big fat Greek wedding more than 1’s ❤it n the 2nd I hvn’t seen the last 1 yet I know I’m going to ❤ it as well. ❤❤❤❤

[@junerobles9192]

This is so inspiring

[@user-hy8vs4hk9f]

Where are you. Plz come back 😭

[@lisadoetsch5618]

Love you Nia!

[@fernewilkinson1734]

You are Beautiful. Hollywood has a stereotype that they are comfortable with

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

Every time someone pointed out why I couldn't do something, or, be something...I searched my heart and asked the Lord about it. 90 per cent of the time, I was thankful, I failed to fit in. The other 10 per cent, I tried and found it empty. My true joy and peace, is found in, knowing I'm in God's will. That is all that matters.

[@sharptoothtrex4486]

Nia is a real Canadian as if actress Jennifer Clement from 1994 The Raffle is.

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

…but she IS pretty enough to be a leading lady, jeez!

[@grandmab9386]

I want to see the first movie you never showed the first movie I want to see the food first movie is the best

[@aidanbarrett9313]

Females from the oldest civilizations seem to age the best: Italy, Greece, Persia, China, Israel, etc.

[@CandaceConner]

Hollywood sux these days .

[@RealBonnieBlue]

And then with the success of the first movie, she became the same Hollywood P O S