Michael Constantine
ActingAbout Michael Constantine
Michael Constantine (born Gus Efstratiou (Ευστρατίου); May 22, 1927 – August 31, 2021) was an American actor. He is most widely recognized for his portrayal of Kostas "Gus" Portokalos, the Windex bottle-toting Greek father of Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos), in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002). Earlier, he earned acclaim for his television work, especially as the long-suffering high school principal, Seymour Kaufman, on ABC's comedy-drama, Room 222, for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1970; he was again recognized by the Emmy Awards, as well as the Golden Globe Awards, the following year. After the conclusion of Room 222, Constantine portrayed night court magistrate Matthew J. Sirota on the 1976 sitcom Sirota's Court, receiving his second Golden Globe nomination. Constantine reprised his role as Gus Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Constantine reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Michael Constantine's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 18% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Constantine remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Hustler, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Michael Constantine Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Michael Constantine's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Constantine.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 | Kostas "Gus" Portokalos | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | My Big Fat Greek Wedding | Kostas "Gus" Portokalos | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | WW3 | Yuri Zenkovsky | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Thinner | Tadzu Lempke | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Juror | Judge Weitzel | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Because Mommy Works | Elliot | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | My Life | Bill Ivanovich | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Deadfall | Frank | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | By a Thread | Anthony Gallucci | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | Prancer | Mr. Stewart / Santa | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Question of Faith | Doctor Rudolph | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | In the Mood | Mr. Wisecarver | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Daniel and the Lion's Den | (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Pray for Death | Mr. Newman | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Silent Rebellion | Yianni | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Forty Days of Musa Dagh | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Evita Peron | Jaime Yankelevich | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Love Tapes | Frank Yost | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | Crisis in Mid-Air | Frank Piovano | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The North Avenue Irregulars | Marv | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Pirate | Yashir | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | Summer of My German Soldier | Harry Bergen | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid | Dr. Silver | Flop | Similar → |
| 1976 | Voyage of the Damned | Luis Clasing | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Wanted: The Sundance Woman | Dave Riley | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Twin Detectives | Ben Sampson | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | Peeper | Anglich | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Night That Panicked America | Jess Wingate | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Conspiracy of Terror | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Secret Night Caller | Dr, Mayhill | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Death Cruise | Dr. Burke | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Big Rose | Gunther | Flop | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Bait | Captain Gus Maryk | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole | Dr. Sweeney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Deadly Harvest | Stefan Groza | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Suddenly Single | Frankie Ventura | Flop | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Impatient Heart | Murray Kane | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Reivers | Mr. Binford | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Don't Drink the Water | Krojack | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | Justine | Memlik Pasha | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium | Jack Harmon | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Skidoo | Leech | Flop | Similar → |
| 1968 | In Enemy Country | Ladislov | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Ghostbreakers | Oscar Jensen | Flop | Similar → |
| 1966 | Hawaii | Mason | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Beau Geste | Rostov | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Quick, Before It Melts | Mikhail Drozhensky | Flop | Similar → |
| 1963 | Island of Love | Andy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Hustler | Big John | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Last Mile | Ed Werner | Average | Similar → |
Michael Constantine - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Michael Constantine?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Constantine is "The Hustler" with a rating of 7.7/10.
How many movies has Michael Constantine acted in?
Michael Constantine has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Michael Constantine?
Other notable films include "In Enemy Country", "Daniel and the Lion's Den", and "Silent Rebellion".