Top 40 Most Popular Greek Actors Of All Time

Tom Hanks is a name you might not expect to find on a list of Greek actors. Yet, Hanks, along with his wife Rita Wilson and their children, was awarded honorary Greek citizenship for helping raise global awareness after a devastating wildfire near Athens in July 2018.

Widely regarded as a true global movie star, Hanks is celebrated for his impressive range in both comedic and dramatic roles in numerous iconic Hollywood films, including Forrest Gump.

Seen as an American cultural icon, this acclaimed actor has earned two Academy Awards for his acting and six Primetime Emmy Awards as a producer.

Recently, Hanks has continued to captivate audiences with standout performances in critically acclaimed films like "A Man Called Otto" and "Elvis."

The charismatic Hugh Jackman began his acting journey with the television series Law of the Land in 1994. While many may not be aware, Jackman actually has Greek ancestry through a paternal great-grandfather.

Jackman himself has shared his openness to appearing in a Greek film, highlighting his pride in his heritage should the opportunity arise.

He achieved worldwide fame portraying James "Logan" Howlett—better known as Wolverine—in the X-Men movie franchise. His exceptional talent has earned him accolades such as two Tony Awards, a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe.

Renowned for his versatility, Jackman has delivered memorable performances across a wide range of genres. He is also celebrated for his early theatre roles in productions like Beauty and the Beast, Sunset Boulevard, Oklahoma!, and The Boy from Oz.

Some of his most acclaimed films include Logan, The Greatest Showman, Eddie the Eagle, The Prestige, and Prisoners.

Zachary Knight Galifianakis, widely known as Zach Galifianakis, has built a reputation for portraying characters who are quirky, socially awkward, yet irresistibly funny.

Need proof? Just watch his outstanding performances in movies like Due Date, The Hangover, and Dinner for Schmucks, where his comedic talent shines through.

On the heritage front, his paternal grandparents, Emmanuel "Mike" Galifianakis and Sophia Kastrinakis, were Greek immigrants from the island of Crete. His mother's background includes Scottish, English, Welsh, French Huguenot, and Irish roots.

Interestingly, Zach was baptized in the Greek Orthodox church as a child—something many fans may not know. He skyrocketed to stardom thanks to his role in the highly successful The Hangover trilogy.

Beyond the big screen, Galifianakis proved his versatility on television with his acclaimed work in the FX series Baskets. His portrayal in that series earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2017.

Ralph George Macchio Jr., widely known as Ralph Macchio, launched his film career with his debut in "Up the Academy" in 1980.

He rose to fame as the star of the iconic film "The Karate Kid." With a diverse heritage, Macchio is one-quarter Greek—his father is half Greek and half Italian, while his mother is of Italian descent.

Beyond "The Karate Kid," Macchio is recognized for memorable roles in films like "My Cousin Vinny," "Hitchcock," and "The Outsiders." He has also revived his famous character, Daniel LaRusso, in the Netflix action comedy-drama series "Cobra Kai."

During his teenage years, Macchio took tap dancing lessons. He was soon discovered by a talent agent, which launched his journey into entertainment.

Early in his career, he appeared on the TV series "Eight Is Enough," but it was his portrayal of Johnny Cade in the 1983 film "The Outsiders" that truly captured attention.

This breakthrough role paved the way for him to star in the beloved 1984 classic, "The Karate Kid."

John Phillip Stamos is a celebrated American actor and musician, best known for his captivating television roles. He made his small-screen debut on the iconic soap opera "General Hospital" and was born to a Greek father, embracing his rich heritage throughout his career.

Stamos received critical acclaim for his performance in "General Hospital," earning a nomination for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His talent continued to propel him into the spotlight as he took on prominent roles in popular television series such as "Full House," "ER," and "You."

Beyond acting, Stamos is the national spokesperson for Project Cuddle and has made significant contributions behind the scenes. He executive produced the Netflix series "Fuller House" and returned to charm audiences by reprising his beloved role as Jesse Katsopolis.

Hank Azaria is a talented actor, comedian, producer, and voice artist of Greek-Jewish heritage. His family roots trace back to Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, through both his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Azaria began his acting career in the late 1980s. He soon gained recognition for his live-action performances in several popular films, including Along Came Polly, Godzilla, The Birdcage, and Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

However, Azaria is perhaps most famous for his voice work on the iconic animated series The Simpsons. His outstanding performances on the show have earned him six Emmy Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Elias Koteas is a highly regarded Canadian actor who has made significant contributions to Hollywood, earning recognition for his versatile performances on the big screen.

What many fans may not know is that Koteas was born to Greek parents. He began his film career with an uncredited appearance in 1980's Atlantic City. Over the years, he has starred in three films nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture: Atlantic City, The Thin Red Line, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Koteas is especially known for his memorable portrayal of Alvin "Al" Olinsky in the Chicago franchise. His exceptional performance in the film Ararat earned him the Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Billy Zane, born William George Zane Jr., entered the film industry with his debut in the iconic science fiction classic, Back to the Future. Known for his Greek heritage, Zane has consistently captivated audiences with his memorable performances.

He rose to international stardom for his role as the calculating Caledon Hockley in James Cameron's epic blockbuster, Titanic. Prior to this, Zane impressed critics and viewers alike with his standout role in the suspenseful 1989 film Dead Calm, which earned him a nomination for the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Most Promising Actor.

Beyond the big screen, Zane has showcased his versatility in both television and film, with appearances in hit projects like Twin Peaks, The Phantom, and The Believer, among others.

Romain Gavras, the son of renowned French journalist and film producer Michèle Ray-Gavras and acclaimed Greek-French director Costa-Gavras, is celebrated primarily for his achievements behind the camera as a director rather than as an actor.

His second feature film, The World Is Yours (Le Monde est à toi), was showcased at the prestigious Directors' Fortnight during the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, earning him widespread recognition.

In the mid-1990s, Gavras co-founded the influential film collective Kourtrajmé alongside his childhood friend Kim Chapiron, further establishing his creative presence in the industry.

Christos Stergioglou is a renowned Greek actor who recently appeared in the Channel 4 sitcom Stath Lets Flats. He began his acting career with the 1981 film To ergostasio, marking his early entry into the world of cinema.

Stergioglou has earned critical acclaim, including winning the Best Actor award at the 2002 Thessaloniki International Film Festival. His impressive resume boasts more than 30 film and television roles throughout his ongoing career.

Among his most notable works are Dogtooth, The Eternal Return of Antonis Paraskevas, Interruption, and A Dog's Dream, which showcase his diverse talent and range as a performer.

Dimitris Horn was born into a distinguished family; his father was a renowned Greek playwright. He pursued his passion for acting by studying at the Drama School of the National Theater of Greece.

Throughout his career, Horn frequently collaborated with the National Theater, while also forming his own theatrical groups with other celebrated actors of his era.

He earned critical acclaim for his remarkable performances in classic productions such as "The Diary of a Madman," "Richard III," "Don Juan," and "Henry IV." These roles solidified his reputation as one of the premier actors of his generation.

Although Horn appeared in fewer than ten major films, several have achieved cult status, further enhancing his legacy in Greek cinema.

Giorgos Foundas began his professional acting career with the film Applause in 1944. Born in Parnassida, Greece, he established himself as an accomplished actor and producer. Foundas gained recognition for his memorable roles in productions such as The Asphalt Fever, With Glittering Eyes, and The Shepherdess' Lover.

He is particularly remembered for his portrayal of Fotis Glaros in both the film and television adaptations of "Galini," a novel by Ilias Venezis, further cementing his legacy in Greek cinema.

Anastasios "Sakis" Rouvas, widely recognized simply as Sakis, is a true multi-talent in Greece's entertainment scene. He made his feature film debut in 2007 with Alter Ego and has showcased his vocal abilities by lending his voice to beloved characters in the Greek-dubbed versions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Cars.

Rouvas's immense popularity in Greece is evident—he remains the only Greek singer chosen as the face of the global soft drink brand Pepsi. Beyond his achievements as a singer and actor, Sakis is also an accomplished businessman, former pole vaulter, and model, marking him as one of Greece's most versatile celebrities.

Mimis Fotopoulos began his professional acting career with a debut in 1948's "Madame Sousou." Over the years, he appeared in more than 100 productions, establishing himself as one of Greece's most prolific actors. Beyond his work on stage and screen, he was also recognized as a talented writer, poet, and artist.

Fotopoulos honed his craft at the Dramatic School of the National Theatre, later gaining valuable experience as the head of a theatrical company in 1952. He passed away in Athens in 1986 after suffering a heart attack, leaving behind a significant legacy in Greek arts and culture.

Christos Vasilopoulos is a talented Greek actor best recognized for his role as Lefteri in the television series Erotas. He began his screen career in 1999 with the film The Mating Game, quickly establishing himself in Greek theatre, television, and film.

In addition to his notable performance as Olek during the first season of Cinemax's Banshee, Vasilopoulos was married to Antonia Ventouras from 2011 to 2014.

He has also appeared in a variety of international projects, including The Last Ship, Blindspot, Whiskey Cavalier, and Warrior, among others.

Stathis Psaltis was a prominent actor, celebrated for his contributions to Greek cinema, television, and theatre. His fame soared during the 1980s, a decade in which he starred in several blockbuster commercial films that made him widely recognizable.

Thanks to his charismatic performances, Psaltis quickly became a household name across Greece. Married to Christina and a proud father, he began his acting career with a role in the 1972 film "Diamonds on Her Naked Flesh."

Vangelis Protopapas was a widely respected film actor, best known for his memorable collaborations with the legendary Greek comedian Vasilis Logothetidis.

Together, the two starred in nine films, showcasing their strong on-screen chemistry. Protopapas made his cinematic debut in the 1947 film Marina and went on to deliver outstanding performances in classics such as A Hero in His Slippers, Santa Chikita, and The Counterfeit Coin.

As his career progressed, Protopapas expanded his talents to television, where he portrayed a wide variety of captivating characters across numerous shows.

Charis Romas, also known as Haris Romas, embarked on his entertainment career in the early 1980s, navigating the challenges of the industry from the very start.

Born Haralambos Rassias, he gained widespread recognition for co-writing and starring in beloved Greek television series such as Konstantinou kai Elenis and To kafe tis Charas.

In addition to his accomplishments in acting and writing, Romas entered politics and participated in the Greek local elections in 2019. However, his decision to pursue acting initially caused tension within his family.

After revealing his dream of becoming an actor, his father severed communication with him. Despite these personal obstacles, Romas persevered and ultimately realized his ambitions in both entertainment and public service.

Vasilis Avlonitis stands out as one of the most celebrated comedians of classic Greek cinema, leaving an indelible mark through his prolific work in both feature films and stage productions from the mid to late 20th century.

He began his film career in 1927 and is perhaps most fondly remembered for his frequent on-screen collaborations with Georgia Vasiliadou, which became iconic in Greek film history.

Although widely praised for his comedic talent, Avlonitis also displayed a remarkable ability to bring depth and emotion to dramatic roles, adding versatility to his enduring legacy.

Jacques Damala, also known as Aristides Damalas, began his career in the military before eventually transitioning to the world of cinema later in life. His marriage to the renowned actress Sarah Bernhardt helped keep him in the public eye for several years.

Despite his fame, Damala's personal life was marked by controversy. He struggled with addictions to drugs and alcohol, and his reputation with women was also often the subject of gossip.

Nevertheless, Damala was frequently described as "the most handsome man in Europe at the time." This striking appearance naturally paved the way for his move into acting.

John Aniston, who was born Yannis Anastassakis, started to make his presence felt within the entertainment industry with the onset of the 1960s.

This Greek-born American screen performer is best known for his character projection of Victor Kiriakis on the NBC daytime drama series Days of Our Lives.

The father of film star Jennifer Aniston, John is a devotee of William Shakespeare and has several first-edition copies of Romeo and Juliet in his possession.

Titos Vandis made his feature film debut in 1953's The Key of Happiness. He is known to have performed on stage and in the movies in his home country before taking a call to settle down for good in Hollywood.

Not only was he usually seen portraying a Greek Orthodox bishop but he could also be glimpsed stepping into the shoes of a principled and resilient father from time to time.

The actor won the Best Actor award for the film Poliorkia at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in 1962. Vandis appeared in over 250 plays and more than 100 mainstream projects throughout the course of his acting journey.

Stratos Tzortzoglou, who was born Efstratios Tzortzoglou, made his motion picture debut by playing part in the 1988 flick Landscape in the Mist.

Stage director Karolos Koun is credited with discovering him in 1987; just a year before he made his debut screen appearance.

Stratos made sure to take lessons at Karolos Koun's Art Theater school before having made his professional acting debut. The actor can be seen making his presence felt in features such as The Striker with Number 9 and Pano kato ke plagios, among others.

Nicholas Pettas is a former heavyweight kickboxer and actor who is of Danish and Greek descent. He made his motion picture debut by starring in 1995's Winds of God.

Known for his potent low kicks, he was the winner of the K-1 Japan Grand Prix in 2001. He currently resides in Japan and can be seen making appearances in Japanese cinema and television.

One of his best-known roles came in the television drama Change, in which he starred alongside Kimura Takuya. He has also been seen co-presenting the NHK World television show Imagine-nation.

Theophanis Lamboukas, who was professionally known as Théo Sarapo, failed to have an extended screen career due to his untimely demise just a few years after having begun his cinematic journey.

Born in Paris to Greek parents, the actor and singer shot to fame after scoring a hit with Piaf in 1962 with the song "À quoi ça sert l'amour?" (What Good Is Love?).

Soon after, his solo hits such as "La maison qui ne chante plus" (The House Which No Longer Sings) and "Ce jour viendra" (That Day Will Come) fetched him further recognition.

That said, his best-known feature film as a screen performer was Judex, which was also his debut project.

One of the most prevalent film and theater actors in the history of Greek cinema, Dinos Iliopoulos made his motion picture debut with the release of Madame Sousou in 1948.

Even though he was born in Alexandria, Egypt, he moved to Marseille with his family later and ended up finishing his high school studies there.

After having taken lessons in acting at the Drama School of Giannoulis Sarantidis, he made his awaited stage debut in 1944.

Iliopoulos soon established himself as a reliable screen actor and was, therefore, seen in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career.

He also played a significant role in O Drakos; a film that is considered to be one of the finest to have ever been produced in Greece.

Yorgo Voyagis made his feature film debut by playing a part in 1964's Zorba the Greek. Best known for features such as Frantic, The City of Lost Children, and Delicatessen, he has been a part of Greek, French, and Italian productions throughout his career.

Voyagis, who has been married to Diana Scorits since 2005, tried to keep a balance between his film and television appearances. The Killer Kid actor continues to remain active in Greece and Italy.

Panos Mouzourakis, who made his professional acting debut in 2007, is a Greek artist, singer, songwriter, and actor, who is perhaps best known for his appearance on television shows such as S1ngles and 4.

The entertainer had been attracted to music ever since he was a kid. When he turned 17, he started appearing as a performer in small music shows in his vicinity.

He started getting noticed for his singing after having arrived in Greece during the first of the 2000s. Soon after, Mouzourakis began his acting lessons and readied himself for his screen debut just a couple of years later.

This Greek-American actor, writer, producer, and voice-over artist graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.

He made his professional acting debut by featuring in the popular television series Sex and the City. However, he is known for participating in film and television shows such as The Sky is Blue, Homeland, As The World Turns, and Meteora as well.

Kapsalis is also reported to have voiced several characters in a few episodes of the docu-drama, titled The Space Race.

Lakis Lazopoulos, who is a playwright, actor, and songwriter, was ranked 83rd by the public in Skai TV's list of the Great Greeks in 2009.

Best known for Deka mikroi Mitsoi, R20, and My Best Friend, he received his Master’s degree in Law from the University of Thessaloniki. However, he decided not to pursue law anymore, and, instead, stepped into the enticing world of glitz and glamour.

Not only has Lazopoulos appeared in stage plays but he has also been a part of numerous television shows and mainstream movies. In fact, the man was called the most powerful Greek celebrity by Forbes in 2010.

Decorated with the Order of the Phoenix, this Greek actor and tenor graduated from the Athens Conservatoire. Soon after completing his graduation, he burst onto the scene as a tenor in the troupe of Rozalia Nika in 1925.

Later, he decided to join the Papaioannou troupe and, eventually, started taking up roles that were even more humorous in nature.

Makris made a mark by playing folk characters. Those who have been fortunate enough to see him perform would remember that he was seen embodying the quintessential "drunkard" more often than not.

However, when it came to his film projects, the entertainer was mainly seen portraying an authoritarian father.

Nico Minardos is a Greek-American screen performer who made his feature film debut by playing a number of uncredited roles in popular mainstream features. He is best recognized for his work on television.

Courtesy of his dusky look and accent, he was often seen being cast as a Mexican. However, the actor decided to call it a day and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida during the 1990s and 2000s.

A documentary trying to cover his personal and professional life, titled Finding Nico, was produced and directed by his godson Owen Prell.

Spiros Focás, born Spyridon Androutsopoulos, made his professional acting debut during the late 1950s. One of Greece's most respected and better-known screen actors, he was luckily discovered by legendary Italian director Luchino Visconti.

Not long after that, he got the opportunity to play the main lead in the classic feature Rocco and His Brothers.

Focás went on to partake in quite a few Italian and Greek projects during the 1960s and 1970s after having made his screen debut at the fag end of the 1950s.

Not only was he able to collaborate with famous directors such as Vincente Minnelli and Ferdinando Baldi but he also soon started making his presence felt in Hollywood productions.

One of the true-blue legends of modern Greek music, Tolis Voskopoulos was also known to have featured in many films.

Additionally, the actor and composer played in the theatre in Athens. Even though the popular Greek entertainer is primarily remembered for his contributions to music, one simply cannot ignore the fact that he made his amiable presence felt in numerous motion pictures as well, starting from the 1960 flick Three Dolls and I.

Petros Filippidis commenced his acting career in 1991. He is known to have participated in quite a few ancient Greek comedies, such as Thesmophoriazusae and The Birds.

He found fame and acknowledgment after having featured in the comedy television series High Rock in 1993. After his stint on the aforementioned show, he was seen in a few other film and television productions as well.

Among his other well-known projects is another television show, titled 50-50.

This Greek-German lobbyist, entrepreneur, actor, and television host started his acting career by appearing in an episode of the television series Aliki in 2001.

Kostas Sommer got the opportunity to play his first Hollywood role when he appeared as a Greek gigolo in the film Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo.

He is a well-known Greek celebrity who has made a name for himself by featuring in numerous magazines and commercials as a model.

Andreas Voutsinas was a Sudanese-Greek actor and theatre director who commenced his journey in the film industry at the onset of the 1960s.

To the viewers in the English-speaking world, he was known for his character projection in three Mel Brooks films, namely The Producers, The Twelve Chairs, and History of the World, Part I.

The actor, who has participated in features helmed by Jules Dassin and Luc Besson, is also credited with directing more than 130 performances of classical and contemporary repertoire in London, Paris, New York, Canada, and Greece.

He is also known to have trained actors such as Jane Fonda, Faye Dunaway, and Warren Beatty.

Alexis Georgoulis made his feature film debut with 1999's Original Sin. He has also served as a Member of the European Parliament for Greece; a position that most certainly added to his popularity.

The actor, who began acting with local drama schools in 1996, was accepted to the Vasilis Diamantopoulos' Jasmine drama school the following year.

Often referred to as the "George Clooney of Greece", he was elected to the European Parliament in 2019. Thankfully for fans of the rather obscure Greek cinema, he used his term and position for the promotion of the same.

One of the most prominent Greek actors of all time, Vasilis Logothetidis shot to fame for his work as a comedian.

Just a year after having graduated from school, he started to participate as an amateur actor in local shows; an endeavour that helped him sharpen his skills for his future projects.

Logothetidis, who was among the first Greek actors to ever appear in a film as a protagonist, featured in more than 110 Greek comedies and over 200 international plays throughout his career.

Some of the plays that he was a part of were As You Like It, Arsenic and Old Lace, Knock, and Volpone. The man is also said to have performed with his own theatre company from 1947 onwards.

Besides being a singer and songwriter, Sakis Boulas was also an actor who started to appear in television series and films in the second half of the 1970s.

Born in Kilkis and raised in Piraeus, he recorded several studio albums and wrote songs for other musicians as well. Aside from acting, Boulas has even contributed as a narrator for the documentary film Arkadi 1866.