Michael Constantine - Actor Profile

Michael Constantine

Acting
Updated: May 10, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: May 22, 1927
Birth Place: Reading, Pennsylvania, USA

About Michael Constantine

Michael Constantine (born Gus Efstratiou (Ευστρατίου); May 22, 1927 – August 31, 2021) was an American actor. He is most widely recognized for his portrayal of Kostas "Gus" Portokalos, the Windex bottle-toting Greek father of Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos), in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002). Earlier, he earned acclaim for his television work, especially as the long-suffering high school principal, Seymour Kaufman, on ABC's comedy-drama, Room 222, for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1970; he was again recognized by the Emmy Awards, as well as the Golden Globe Awards, the following year. After the conclusion of Room 222, Constantine portrayed night court magistrate Matthew J. Sirota on the 1976 sitcom Sirota's Court, receiving his second Golden Globe nomination. Constantine reprised his role as Gus Portokalos in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016).

Michael Constantine Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Michael Constantine reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Michael Constantine's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 48% of Michael Constantine's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains By a Thread, which stands out as a key performance.

Advertisement

Best Michael Constantine Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Michael Constantine's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Michael Constantine has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2016 My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 Kostas "Gus" Portokalos Average Similar →
2002 My Big Fat Greek Wedding Kostas "Gus" Portokalos Hit Similar →
2001 WW3 Yuri Zenkovsky Flop Similar →
1996 Thinner Tadzu Lempke Average Similar →
1996 The Juror Judge Weitzel Average Similar →
1994 Because Mommy Works Elliot Hit Similar →
1993 My Life Bill Ivanovich Hit Similar →
1993 Deadfall Frank Flop Similar →
1992 By a Thread Anthony Gallucci Super Hit Similar →
1989 Prancer Mr. Stewart / Santa Average Similar →
1988 Question of Faith Doctor Rudolph Super Hit Similar →
1987 In the Mood Mr. Wisecarver Average Similar →
1986 Daniel and the Lion's Den (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1985 Pray for Death Mr. Newman Average Similar →
1982 Silent Rebellion Yianni Super Hit Similar →
1982 Forty Days of Musa Dagh - Flop Similar →
1981 Evita Peron Jaime Yankelevich Flop Similar →
1980 The Love Tapes Frank Yost Hit Similar →
1979 Crisis in Mid-Air Frank Piovano Super Hit Similar →
1979 The North Avenue Irregulars Marv Hit Similar →
1978 The Pirate Yashir Flop Similar →
1978 Summer of My German Soldier Harry Bergen Average Similar →
1977 Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid Dr. Silver Super Hit Similar →
1976 Voyage of the Damned Luis Clasing Average Similar →
1976 Wanted: The Sundance Woman Dave Riley Hit Similar →
1976 Twin Detectives Ben Sampson Super Hit Similar →
1975 Peeper Anglich Flop Similar →
1975 The Night That Panicked America Jess Wingate Hit Similar →
1975 Conspiracy of Terror - Hit Similar →
1975 The Secret Night Caller Dr, Mayhill Hit Similar →
1974 Death Cruise Dr. Burke Average Similar →
1974 Big Rose Gunther Super Hit Similar →
1973 The Bait Captain Gus Maryk Hit Similar →
1972 Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole Dr. Sweeney Hit Similar →
1972 Deadly Harvest Stefan Groza Super Hit Similar →
1971 Suddenly Single Frankie Ventura Flop Similar →
1971 The Impatient Heart Murray Kane Super Hit Similar →
1969 The Reivers Mr. Binford Average Similar →
1969 Don't Drink the Water Krojack Flop Similar →
1969 Justine Memlik Pasha Flop Similar →
1969 If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium Jack Harmon Average Similar →
1968 Skidoo Leech Flop Similar →
1968 In Enemy Country Ladislov Super Hit Similar →
1967 Ghostbreakers Oscar Jensen Flop Similar →
1966 Hawaii Mason Average Similar →
1966 Beau Geste Rostov Average Similar →
1965 Quick, Before It Melts Mikhail Drozhensky Flop Similar →
1963 Island of Love Andy Average Similar →
1961 The Hustler Big John Super Hit Similar →
1959 The Last Mile Ed Werner Hit Similar →

Michael Constantine - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Constantine?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Constantine is "By a Thread" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Michael Constantine acted in?

Michael Constantine has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Michael Constantine?

Other notable films include "Question of Faith", "Silent Rebellion", and "In Enemy Country".

Advertisement