Olympia Dukakis Headshot

Olympia Dukakis

Birth Place: Lowell, MA, USA

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Olympia Dukakis BIO

New York appearances: Rose (Outer Critics Circle Award), Social Security directed by Mike Nichols, Who's Who in Hell, The Aspern Papers, Night of the Iguana, Christopher Durang's The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Obie Award), Sam Shepard's Curse of the Starving Class, Peer Gynt, Titus Andronicus, Electra, Vaclav Havel's Memorandum, Brecht's A Man's a Man (Obie Award), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and A View From the Bridge (Theatre World Award). Regional theatre: over 120 productions including founding member and Producing Artistic Director of the Whole Theatre in Montclair, NJ for 19 years, where she directed and appeared in many productions; Timberlake Wertenbaker's Hecuba and Leslie Ayvazian's Singer's Boy (A.C.T.); Lear and her Daughters (Shakespeare & Co.); Trinity Rep's The Glass Menagerie and The Hope Zone; and Williamstown Theatre Festival for 13 seasons where she also served as Associate Director, most recently Hecuba and The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore. London: Rose (world premiere at the Royal National Theatre). Films: Moonstruck (Academy Award, Best Supporting Actress; NY Film Critics, L.A. Film Critics and Golden Globe awards); Better Living; Picture Perfect with Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Bacon; Mafia!; Mr. Holland's Opus with Richard Dreyfus; Woody Allen's Mighty Aphrodite; I Love Trouble with Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts; Look Who's Talking 1, Too and Now! with John Travolta and Kirstie Alley; The Cemetery Club; Steel Magnolias directed by Herbert Ross; and Dad co-starring Jack Lemmon. Television: the two mini-series based on Armistead Maupin's novels, "Tales of the City" and "More Tales of the City" (Emmy, Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA nominations); "Young at Heart" co-starring Frank Sinatra and Louis Zorich (Emmy nomination); "Lucky Day" co-starring Amy Madigan (Emmy nomination); "A Match Made in Heaven," with John Stamos and Della Reese; "The Last Act Is Solo" (ACE Award); the mini-series "Sinatra," as Frank Sinatra's mother (Emmy nomination); and for British TV "A Life for a Life" (BAFTA nomination). Other: NJ Governor's Walt Whitman Creative Arts Award; was active in Michael Dukakis' 1988 presidential campaign; and founding member of The National Museum of Women in the Arts. She is married to actor Louis Zorich, and they have three children, Christina, Peter and Stefan.

Olympia Dukakis Photos

Olympia Dukakis STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2011
Flora Goforth

[Off-Broadway]
2009
Loë Rieman

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2006
Ida Dodd

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Beatrice

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Rose

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Countess

[Broadway]
1986
Sophie Greengrass

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Soot Hudlocke

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Ella

[Broadway]
1974
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1973
Goya

[Off-Broadway]
1973
Goya

[Off-Broadway]
1969
Ingrid/ Greenclad Lady/ Anitra

[Off-Broadway]
1968
Helena

[Off-Broadway]
1967
Mrs. Bethnal-Green/ The Mother/ Stepney Green/ Debden

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Chrysothemis

[Broadway]
1964
Anne Dowling

Helen Balcon (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Widow Leocadia Begbick

[Broadway]
1962
Miss Tina (Understudy)

Miss Bordereau (Understudy)

Assunta (Understudy)


Olympia Dukakis Movies

Twice a Man
[ 1963 ] Young mother
John and Mary
[ 1969 ] John's Mother
Made for Each Other
[ 1971 ] Gig's Mother
Rich Kids
[ 1979 ] Lawyer
The Wanderers
[ 1979 ] Joey's Mom
The Idolmaker
[ 1980 ] Mrs. Vacarri
Movie Madness
[ 1982 ] Helena Naxos "Success Wanters"
Walls of Glass
[ 1985 ] Mary Flanagan
Moonstruck
[ 1987 ] Rose Ctorini
Working Girl
[ 1988 ] Personnel Director
Look Who's Talking
[ 1989 ] Rosie
Steel Magnolias
[ 1989 ] Clairee Belcher
Dad
[ 1989 ] Bette Tremont
Look Who's Talking Too
[ 1990 ] Rosie
In the Spirit
[ 1990 ] Sue
Over the Hill
[ 1992 ] Alma Harris
The Cemetery Club
[ 1993 ] Doris Silverman
Look Who's Talking Now
[ 1993 ] Rosie
Digger
[ 1993 ] Bea
I Love Trouble
[ 1994 ] Jeannie
Jeffrey
[ 1995 ] Mrs. Marcangelo
Mr. Holland's Opus
[ 1995 ] Principal Jacobs
Mighty Aphrodite
[ 1995 ] Jocta
Dead Badge
[ 1995 ] Dr. Doris Rice
Never Too Late
[ 1996 ] Rose
Milk & Money
[ 1996 ] Goneril Plogg
Jerusalem
[ 1996 ] Mother Mrs. Gordon
Picture Perfect
[ 1997 ] Rita
Balkan Island: The Last Story of the Century
[ 1997 ] Mother
Mafia!
[ 1998 ] Sophia
Better Living
[ 1998 ] Nora
Brooklyn Sonnet
[ 2000 ] Helen Manners
The Intended
[ 2002 ] Erina
The Event
[ 2003 ] Lila Shapiro
Charlie's War
[ 2003 ] Charlie
The Thing About My Folks
[ 2005 ] Muriel Kleinman
Jesus, Mary and Joey
[ 2005 ] Sophia Vitello
Whiskey School
[ 2005 ] Ellen Haywood
3 Needles
[ 2005 ] Hilde the Missionary Nun
The Great New Wonderful
[ 2005 ] Judy Hillerman
Upside Out
[ 2006 ] Dr. Walker
Day on Fire
[ 2006 ] Dr. Mary Wade
Away from Her
[ 2006 ] Marian
In the Land of Women
[ 2007 ] Phyllis
Birds of a Feather
[ 2011 ] Olympia
Cloudburst
[ 2011 ] Stella
The Misadventures of the Dunderheads
[ 2012 ] Ira
The Last Keepers
[ 2013 ] Rosmarie Carver
A Little Game
[ 2014 ] YaYa
7 Chinese Brothers
[ 2015 ] Grandma
The Infiltrator
[ 2016 ] Aunt Vicky
Broken Links
[ 2016 ] Arlene
Change in the Air
[ 2018 ] Margaret Lemke
Not to Forget
[ 2021 ] Judge

Olympia Dukakis TV Shows

Bored to Death
Belinda
Center of the Universe
Marge Barnett
Forgive Me
Novalea
Sex & Violence
Alex Mandalakis
TripTank
Ma, Caller

Olympia Dukakis Awards and Nominations


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Olympia DukakisRose


winner
Obie Awards - 1963 - Performance

Olympia Dukakis, A Man's A Man

Olympia Dukakis Videos

Olympia Dukakis News


STEEL MAGNOLIAS Comes to Steel Beam Theatre


Steel Beam Theatre will present the heartwarming comedy-drama, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. Directed by Pat Henderson, this production promises a delightful evening of laughter, tears, and Southern charm.

Heidi Blickenstaff, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY And More Honored At 41st Annual Elliot Norton Awards


Discover the winners of the 41st Annual Elliot Norton Awards, celebrating excellence in the Boston theater scene. Stay updated with BroadwayWorld's latest news.

Red Bull Theater to Honor Alfred Molina And K. Ann McDonald at Gala Benefit


Alfred Molina and K. Ann McDonald will be honored at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more about the benefit and see how to purchase tickets.

Steel Beam Theatre Announces Cast For STEEL MAGNOLIAS


Discover the newly announced cast for the Steel Beam Theatre's Chicagoland production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

Lynne Kaufman's World Premiere of EXTREME ACTS to Play at The Marsh SF


The Marsh San Francisco will present the world premiere of Extreme Acts, the thought-provoking latest work by award-winning playwright Lynne Kaufman, directed by Molly Noble. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Director Norman Jewison Dies at 97


Fiddler on the Roof director Norman Jewison has passed away at 97. He was nominated for an Oscar for directing the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, starring Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, and Paul Mann. Jewison also directed Moonstruck, which won Cher an Academy Award.

Raue Center School For The Arts Will Host Three Fall Classes


 Raue Center has announced the return of its School for the Arts education program (RCSA) with three new classes. 

Ethan Watermeier & Rachel Stern to Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Olney Theatre Center


Discover Olney Theatre Center's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' with a fresh global perspective. This timeless musical explores themes of rising anti-Semitism, Russian aggression, refugee crises, and women's struggles against patriarchal authority. Don't miss this captivating show running from November 8 to December 31 in Olney, Maryland.

The Lesbian Thespians In Association With ArtServe Announce The Upcoming Florida Premiere Of CLOUDBURST


The Lesbian Thespians in Association with ArtServe announce the upcoming Florida premiere of “Cloudburst”. Ft. Lauderdale-based theatre company brings Thom Fitzgerald's award-winning film to the stage, featuring an older lesbian couple. Don't miss this rare production celebrating women of a certain age. Tickets on sale now.

Never Before Seen OF THINGS PAST Starring Michael Moriarty, Louise Caire Clark and Tara Reid to Debut in October


Of Things Past, a truly unique production, over 37 years in the making, at last will be enjoyed by North American viewing audiences beginning October 3rd on Amazon, Vudu and major cable systems' VOD, the announcement was made today by the film's distributor Jerome Courshon, CEO of Lion Heart Distribution.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS Opens September 21 At Westwego Cultural Center


Jefferson Performing Arts Society kicks off its Westbank 46th season stage productions with Steel Magnolias this month at the Westwego Cultural Center on Sala Avenue in Westwego.

WAM Theatre Announces Cast For Summer FRESH TAKES Play Readings


Producing Artistic Director Kristen van Ginhoven and the WAM Theatre team has announced an exciting ensemble of actors who are performing in the upcoming 2023 Fresh Takes Play Reading Series. The roster features a diverse array of talented performers. For all but one, Fresh Takes 2023 marks their WAM debut. 

THE HOURS Starring Fleming, O'Hara & DiDonato to Screen as Part of The Met's 2023 Summer HD Festival


The Metropolitan Opera’s 2023 Summer HD Festival, an annual New York pastime, returns to Lincoln Center Plaza Saturday, August 26 through Monday, September 4.

BTG Reveals Casting For MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and PHOTOGRAPH 51


Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) and Kate Maguire (Artistic Director, CEO) have announced casting for two of its summer 2023 shows: Million Dollar Quartet, a three-time Tony Award–nominated once-in-a-lifetime musical evening back by popular demand with some of the same cast as 2017 and Photograph 51, an intriguing portrait of the race to discover the mysteries of the DNA double helix. 

Jerry Zaks Will Lead The Nation's Top Regional Theater Actors As Master Teacher For The 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program


Ten Chimneys Foundation has announced prominent director Jerry Zaks will serve as Master Teacher for the 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program, a national program to serve the future of American theater.

Demetria Joyce Bailey Named as 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow


Walnut Street Theatre has announced that Demetria Joyce Bailey has been selected as one of 10 stage actors in the United States to be a 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow.

Photos: Go Inside The Hollywood Museum's Mother's Day Tribute to MOTION PICTURE MOTHERS


The Hollywood Museum played host to a spectacular photo exhibit, for Mother's Day to pay homage to the matriarchs of the MOTION PICTURE MOTHERS organization and the most celebrated working moms in entertainment with loving and amusing images with their families. Check out photos from the event here!

Julie Taymor to be Honored at Red Bull Theater Gala Benefit Hosted by Patrick Page


Julie Taymor will be honored with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater and the Axe-Houghton Foundation will receive the George Mayer Award for Extraordinary Service to Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit on Monday June 5th (6pm).

TheatreWorks Stages New Look At STEEL MAGNOLIAS This Summer


TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents a new look at the cherished comic drama Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. A tight-knit group of Southern women flock to Truvy's beauty parlor, where its occupants dish gossip, do hair, and provide strength and support through life's joys and tragedies.

Stu Richel Brings VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS to Metropolitan Playhouse This Month


In honor of Vietnam Veterans Day, Metropolitan Playhouse welcomes Stu Richel for one week only March 29 - April 2, 2023, presenting his solo-journey into and through Vietnam as a combat photographer. 

Olympia Dukakis FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Olympia Dukakis been in?

Olympia Dukakis has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Olympia Dukakis been in?

Olympia Dukakis has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Olympia Dukakis been nominated for?

Olympia Dukakis has been nominated for Outstanding Solo Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Rose" and for Performance at the Obie Awards for "A Man's A Man."

What awards has Olympia Dukakis won?

Olympia Dukakis has won the Outstanding Solo Performance award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Rose" and the Performance award from the Obie Awards for "A Man's A Man."

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