
Michael Constantine
ActingAbout 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.
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.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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".




