---
name: "Olympia Dukakis"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/olympia-dukakis"
fi1m_id: "olympia-dukakis"
imdb_id: "nm0001156"
tmdb_id: 3019
wikidata_id: "Q230188"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "20 June 1931"
died: "1 May 2021"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 7
average_fi1m_score: 67
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 7
updated: "2026-10-04T21:22:24.123873+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Olympia Dukakis

## Identity

Olympia Dukakis

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/olympia-dukakis
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** olympia-dukakis
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001156
- **TMDB ID:** 3019
- **Wikidata ID:** Q230188
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia_Dukakis, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q230188, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001156/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3019

Actor. Born 20 June 1931 in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA. Died 1 May 2021.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 20 June 1931, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
- **Died:** 1 May 2021
- **Active:** 1987–2009
- **Also known as:** المپیا دوکاکیس, Ολυμπία Δουκάκη, Olympia Doukakis
- **Frequently works with:** [Amy Heckerling](https://film.one/person/amy-heckerling.md), [John Travolta](https://film.one/person/john-travolta.md), [Jonathan D. Krane](https://film.one/person/jonathan-d-krane.md), [Kirstie Alley](https://film.one/person/kirstie-alley.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 67, as actor, over 7 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 76 (4), 1990s 35 (1), 2000s 66 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 66 to 60 across 6 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 6, Drama 5, Romance 5, Crime 1, Mystery 1
- **Screen time:** 10 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $748m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia_Dukakis, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q230188, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001156/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3019

## Streaming the US now

- **Apple TV:** [*Moonstruck*](https://film.one/film/moonstruck.md) (84), [*Away from Her*](https://film.one/film/away-from-her.md) (82)
- **Tubi:** [*Look Who's Talking*](https://film.one/film/look-whos-talking.md) (71)
- **Netflix:** [*Steel Magnolias*](https://film.one/film/steel-magnolias.md) (67)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Look Who's Talking Too*](https://film.one/film/look-whos-talking-too.md) (35)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Olympia Dukakis

> Olympia Dukakis brought a dry voice and an unhurried intelligence to women too easily filed away as sensible mothers. We rate her most highly when a film gives those women desires of their own, as *Moonstruck* does.

In *Moonstruck* (1987), Olympia Dukakis lets Rose Castorini pause before speaking, weighing how much honesty the conversation will bear. The friction with Vincent Gardenia's Cosmo gives her comedy to work with, but she never seems occupied with securing the next laugh. We were moved by Rose's disappointments, because Dukakis lets them register in the pauses without asking for a speech. She makes us want to stay with the older characters even when the romance has other plans.

Shanley's writing gives those older characters desires of their own, and Dukakis makes good use of the attention. David Watkin's cinematography keeps faces worth studying, allowing her to hold a scene without filling it with talk. Philip Rosenberg's production design gives the family rooms the look of places people have occupied for years. This is the right company for her: a writer who has bothered with the character and a film that lets us watch her think.

That performance was her screen breakthrough at 56, after stage work stretching back to the early 1960s. The subsequent supporting roles often called on her dry delivery and authority, with maternal typecasting the persistent limitation. Her Personnel Director in Mike Nichols's *Working Girl* (1988) followed soon afterwards; we recommend its warm, sharp office comedy, though our strongest evidence for Dukakis remains *Moonstruck*. Being so readily recognisable as the woman with good sense could also mean being given too little else to do.

*Steel Magnolias* (1989) cast her as Clairee Belcher, a sharp-tongued Southern widow, while television's *Tales of the City* (1993) gave her Anna Madrigal, a landlady she would return to. These parts belong to a screen career easily reduced to the raspy voice and the firm opinion. Her continued stage work, including *Mother Courage and Her Children* (2013), is a useful warning against that reduction. We value the comic certainty, but we value her more when a film gives her something difficult to consider before she answers. Start with *Moonstruck*, and do not treat the family scenes as an interruption.

## Biography

Olympia Dukakis was an American actress. She was born on 20 June 1931 in Lowell, Massachusetts, and died on 1 May 2021 in New York City. The daughter of Greek immigrants, she initially trained in physical therapy before turning to acting.

Dukakis began her career in theatre, winning an Obie Award for Best Actress in 1963 for her performance in Bertolt Brecht's *Man Equals Man*. She appeared in numerous stage productions and later moved into film and television.

She received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her role as Rose Castorini in *Moonstruck* (1987). Other film credits include the Personnel Director in *Working Girl* (1988). She published an autobiography, *Ask Me Again Tomorrow*, in 2003.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, vanityfair.com, npr.org.*

## On Fi1m (7)

- *Bored to Death* (2009), Fi1m 50, as Belinda — [page](https://film.one/tv/bored-to-death.md)
- *Away from Her* (2007), Fi1m 82, as Marian — [page](https://film.one/film/away-from-her.md)
- *Look Who's Talking Too* (1990), Fi1m 35, as Rosie — [page](https://film.one/film/look-whos-talking-too.md)
- *Look Who's Talking* (1989), Fi1m 71, as Rosie — [page](https://film.one/film/look-whos-talking.md)
- *Steel Magnolias* (1989), Fi1m 67, as Clairee Belcher — [page](https://film.one/film/steel-magnolias.md)
- *Working Girl* (1988), Fi1m 80, as Personnel Director — [page](https://film.one/film/working-girl.md)
- *Moonstruck* (1987), Fi1m 84, as Rose Castorini — [page](https://film.one/film/moonstruck.md)

## Complete filmography (111)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Not to Forget* (2021), as Judge
- *The New Abolitionists* (2020), Producer
- *The New Greek Americans* (2020), as Narrator
- *Tales of the City* (2019), series, as Anna Madrigal
- *Change in the Air* (2018), as Margaret Lemke
- *The Infiltrator* (2016), as Aunt Vicky
- *Her Secret Sessions* (2016), as Arlene
- *Emily & Tim* (2015), as Emily (Segment 6)
- *7 Chinese Brothers* (2015), as Grandma
- *Irene & Marie* (2015), as Marie
- *Beneath the Olive Tree* (2015), Actor
- *Big Driver* (2014), as Doreen
- *A Little Game* (2014), as Yaya
- *The Christmas Spirit* (2013), as Gwen Hollander
- *Sex & Violence* (2013), series, as Alex Mandalakis · Executive Producer
- *Montana Amazon* (2013), as Ira
- *The Last Keepers* (2013), as Rosmarie Carver
- *Cloudburst* (2011), as Stella
- *Birds of a Feather* (2011), as Olympia
- *Bored to Death* (2009), series, as Belinda — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/tv/bored-to-death.md)
- *Away from Her* (2007), as Marian — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/away-from-her.md)
- *In the Land of Women* (2007), as Phyllis
- *The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines* (2006), as Margie Carsen
- *Day On Fire* (2006), as Dr. Mary Wade
- *Jesus, Mary and Joey* (2006), as Sophia Vitello
- *Whiskey School* (2005), as Ellen Haywood
- *3 Needles* (2005), as Hilde
- *The Thing About My Folks* (2005), as Muriel Kleinman
- *The Great New Wonderful* (2005), as Judy Hillerman
- *Numb3rs* (2005), series, as Charlotte Yates
- *Signs Out of Time: The Life of Archaeologist Marija Gimbutas* (2004), as Narrator
- *Center of the Universe* (2004), series, as Marge Barnett
- *The Librarian: Quest for the Spear* (2004), as Margie Carsen
- *Charlie's War* (2003), as Charlie
- *Mafia Doctor* (2003), as Rose Dellarusso
- *The Event* (2003), as Lila Shapiro
- *The Intended* (2002), as Erina
- *Guilty Hearts* (2002), as Amanda Patterson
- *Strange Relations* (2001), as Esther Lipman
- *Further Tales of the City* (2001), series, as Anna Madrigal
- *Ladies and The Champ* (2001), as Sara Stevens
- *And Never Let Her Go* (2001), as Marguerite Capano
- *And Never Let Her Go* (2001), series, as Marguerite Capano
- *Borough of Kings* (2000), as Helen Manners
- *The Last of the Blonde Bombshells* (2000), as Dinah
- *Crimes of Honour* (1999), as Narrator (voice)
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Debby Marsh
- *Joan of Arc* (1999), series, as Mother Babette
- *Better Living* (1998), as Nora
- *Jane Austen's Mafia!* (1998), as Sophia
- *More Tales of the City* (1998), series, as Anna Madrigal
- *The Pentagon Wars* (1998), as Madam Chairwoman
- *Scattering Dad* (1998), as Dotty
- *A Life for a Life* (1998), as Charlotte Kiszko
- *Picture Perfect* (1997), as Rita
- *A Match Made in Heaven* (1997), as Helen Rosner
- *Balkan Island: The Last Story of the Century* (1997), as Mother
- *Milk & Money* (1996), as Goneril Plogg
- *Jerusalem* (1996), as Mother (Mrs. Gordon)
- *Never Too Late* (1996), as Rose
- *Mr. Holland's Opus* (1995), as Principal Jacobs
- *Mighty Aphrodite* (1995), as Jocasta
- *Jeffrey* (1995), as Mrs. Marcangelo
- *Dead Badge* (1995), as Dr. Doris Rice
- *Young at Heart* (1995), as Rose Garaventi
- *Mother* (1995), as Mrs. Jay
- *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Clara
- *I Love Trouble* (1994), as Jeannie
- *Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult* (1994), as Olympia Dukakis (uncredited)
- *Look Who's Talking Now!* (1993), as Rosie
- *Digger* (1993), as Bea
- *Tales of the City* (1993), series, as Anna Madrigal
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Caller #3 (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *The Cemetery Club* (1993), as Doris Silverman
- *Sinatra* (1992), series, as Dolly Sinatra
- *Over the Hill* (1992), as Alma Harris
- *Fire in the Dark* (1991), as Emily Miller
- *Lucky Day* (1991), as Katherine Campbell
- *The General Motors Playwrights Theater* (1991), series, as Laura Cunningham
- *Look Who's Talking Too* (1990), as Rosie — Fi1m 35, [page](https://film.one/film/look-whos-talking-too.md)
- *In the Spirit* (1990), as Sue
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Zelda (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Steel Magnolias* (1989), as Clairee Belcher — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/steel-magnolias.md)
- *Dad* (1989), as Bette Tremont
- *Look Who's Talking* (1989), as Rosie — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/look-whos-talking.md)
- *Working Girl* (1988), as Personnel Director — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/working-girl.md)
- *Moonstruck* (1987), as Rose Castorini — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/moonstruck.md)
- *Flanagan* (1985), as Mary
- *The Equalizer* (1985), series, as Judge Paula G. Walsh
- *The Neighborhood* (1982), as Mrs. St Paul
- *National Lampoon's Movie Madness* (1982), as Helena Naxos ("Success Wanters")
- *King of America* (1982), as Mama Nicola
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Mama Nicola, Anna Madrigal
- *The Idolmaker* (1980), as Mrs. Vacarri
- *F.D.R.: The Last Year* (1980), Actor
- *Rich Kids* (1979), as Lawyer
- *The Wanderers* (1979), as Joey's Mother (uncredited)
- *The Andros Targets* (1977), series, as Marina Angelis
- *The Seagull* (1975), as Pauline
- *Death Wish* (1974), as Cop at the Precinct (uncredited)
- *Nicky's World* (1974), as Irene Kaminios
- *The Rehearsal* (1974), Actor
- *Sisters* (1973), as Louise Wilanski
- *Made For Each Other* (1971), as Gig's Mother
- *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Pauline
- *John and Mary* (1969), as John's Mother
- *Stiletto* (1969), as Mrs. Amato (uncredited)
- *Lilith* (1964), as Patient (uncredited)
- *Twice a Man* (1963), as Young Mother
- *Dr. Kildare* (1961), series, as Anna Nieves
- *Search for Tomorrow* (1951), series, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Olympia Dukakis](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-f62f0784245d.jpg) Olympia Dukakis — Montclair Film, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Olympia_Dukakis_2019.jpg/1280px-Olympia_Dukakis_2019.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![(L-R) John Patrick Shanley, Norman Jewison and Olympia Dukakis at TIFF Bell Lightbox for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". To learn more about the C (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-ea503cfbc638.jpg) (L-R) John Patrick Shanley, Norman Jewison and Olympia Dukakis at TIFF Bell Lightbox for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". To learn more about the C (2011) — Canadian Film Centre from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_10_%286080007073%29.jpg/1280px-Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_10_%286080007073%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Piers Handling, Norman Jewison, John Patrick Shanley and Olympia Dukakis onstage at TIFF Bell Lightbox for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". To lear (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-9d0a03c23703.jpg) Piers Handling, Norman Jewison, John Patrick Shanley and Olympia Dukakis onstage at TIFF Bell Lightbox for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". To lear (2011) — Canadian Film Centre from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_3_%286080004835%29.jpg/1280px-Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_3_%286080004835%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![(L-R) Piers Handling, John Patrick Shanley, Norman Jewison and Olympia Dukakis at TIFF Bell Lightbox for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". To learn  (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-8475ea296f4f.jpg) (L-R) Piers Handling, John Patrick Shanley, Norman Jewison and Olympia Dukakis at TIFF Bell Lightbox for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". To learn  (2011) — Canadian Film Centre from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_7_%286080543598%29.jpg/1280px-Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_7_%286080543598%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Olympia Dukakis](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-783591470a36.jpg) Olympia Dukakis — Image via TMDB
- ![Olympia Dukakis](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-9d5be20e7f95.jpg) Olympia Dukakis — Image via TMDB
- ![Olympia Dukakis](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-278682f5b22b.jpg) Olympia Dukakis — Image via TMDB
- ![(L-R) Rick Mercer, Olympia Dukakis, John Patrick Shanley and Norman Jewison at Malaparte for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". Images courtesy of TI (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-ee0120419272.jpg) (L-R) Rick Mercer, Olympia Dukakis, John Patrick Shanley and Norman Jewison at Malaparte for "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". Images courtesy of TI (2011) — Canadian Film Centre, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_9.jpg/1280px-Norman_Jewison_and_Friends_with_Moonstruck_9.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Olympia Dukakis at "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". Images courtesy of TIFF. (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/118906/gallery-d486261960ea.jpg) Olympia Dukakis at "Norman Jewison and Friends with Moonstruck". Images courtesy of TIFF. (2011) — Canadian Film Centre, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/OlympiaDukakis-2011.jpg/1280px-OlympiaDukakis-2011.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 1 won

- 1988: Best Supporting Actress (won), for *Moonstruck*

### Golden Globes — 1 won

- 1987: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (won), for *Moonstruck*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/olympia-dukakis