Nia Vardalos

Photo of Nia Vardalos

Biography

As the screenwriter and star of the autobiographical comedy "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002), Vardalos took the entertainment industry by storm when the film came virtually out of nowhere to become a top-grossing summer hit. Vardalos' sharp observational eye for such universal experiences as looking for love and dealing with relatives struck a note with audiences, in both "Greek Wedding" and the romantic comedy "My Life in Ruins" (2009). …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Writer

Born

Antonia Eugenia Vardalos on September 24, 1962 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA

Career Milestones

1988

Took a job in the box office of Toronto's Second City theater; joined the troupe when she replaced an actress who fell ill 15 minutes before curtain

1990

Became a member of Chicago's Second City troupe

1995

Relocated to Hollywood, CA

1996

Appeared in first film, "No Experience Necessary"

1997

Voiced Domino, a Ford Mustang, in the short-lived NBC series, "Team Knight Rider"

1999

Co-starred as Jessica in the independent comedy, "Meet Prince Charming"

2000

Wrote and performed the one-woman stage play, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"; based on her friends' recollection of humorous stories about her family and centered around her account of her wedding

2002

Adapted her play into the hit film, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"; also starred; received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress and an Oscar nomination for Original Screenplay

2003

Stared again as Nia Portokalos in the short-lived CBS series, "My Big Fat Greek Life"

2004

Wrote screenplay and co-starred with Toni Collette in "Connie and Carla," as two women posing as drag queens on the run from the mob

2009

Feature directorial debut, "I Hate Valentine's Day"; also wrote and co-starred, again re-teamed with John Corbett

2009

Starred in the comedy, "My Life in Ruins"; did uncredited rewrite work

2011

With Tom Hanks, co-wrote "Larry Crowne"; Hanks also directed and co-starred

Awards

2002

Academy Award for Writing (Original Screenplay) in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

2002

Critics' Choice Award for Best Writer (Original or Adapted Screenplay) in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

2002

Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

2003

Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

2003

MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Female in My Big Fat Greek Wedding

2003

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in My Big Fat Greek Wedding