About
Olympia Dukakis (1931-2021) was an accomplished American actress known for her extensive work in theater, film, and television. She performed in over 130 stage productions and appeared in approximately 60 films and 50 television series. Dukakis began her career in theater and won an Obie Award for her performance in Bertolt Brecht's Man Equals Man. While primarily known as a screen actress, her roots in theater profoundly influenced her performances.
Career Timeline
Off-Broadway Obie Award
Wins an Obie Award for her stage performance in Bertolt Brecht's 'Man Equals Man', gaining early recognition. Obie Award comes with a small monetary reward at the time.
Moonstruck - Academy Award
Wins the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Moonstruck', catapulting her to mainstream fame.
Steel Magnolias Success
Appears in 'Steel Magnolias', further cementing her reputation as a versatile and talented actress.
Tales of the City Miniseries
Stars in 'Tales of the City' miniseries, earning critical acclaim and expanding her audience. This translates to higher pay for appearances.
More Tales of the City
Continued success in 'Tales of the City', cementing her as a beloved character actress.
The Cemetery Club
Stars in 'The Cemetery Club', adding to her filmography and visibility.
Olympia
Stars in the documentary 'Olympia', which chronicles her career and legacy. She got paid for her time during filming, and it generated some income.
Legacy as a Beloved Actress
Dukakis leaves behind a legacy as a respected and beloved actress in film, television, and theatre, remembered for her iconic roles and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 25, 2026