What you might not know about the American author
As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, it should come as no surprise that members of the Greek diaspora have left an indelible mark on today's world. Greek-Americans in particular have proven time and time again that they are essential in popular culture. Estimates say that over three million Americans are of Greek descent, and plenty of them are people you'd be able to recognize without a second glance. Some of today's most popular performers and personalities can trace their lineage back to the beautiful Mediterranean haven of Greece.
Curious? Read on to learn which celebrities celebrate their Greek heritage.
One of the most famous and highest-paid actresses of her generation, Jennifer Aniston is the daughter of Greek-born American actor John Aniston.
Actress Rita Wilson was born to Greek parents and raised in a Greek Orthodox household. Her husband, actor Tom Hanks, converted to Greek Orthodoxy and was given Greek citizenship after they married.
Born in Athens, Greece, to a Greek mother and a U.S. Army sergeant father, Tommy Lee is known as the drummer and founding member of heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. Lee's family relocated from Greece to the United States when he was two years old.
The American former world no. 1 tennis player was born Petros Sampras to a Greek immigrant mother and a Greek-American father.
Born to Greek immigrants in Massachusetts, Olympia Dukakis (1931-2021) was a celebrated and prolific actress of stage and screen. Over the course of her illustrious career, Dukakis appeared in over 130 theater productions and more than 60 films.
Michael Dukakis, the cousin of Olympia Dukakis, found an entirely different kind of fame. Dukakis was the longest-serving governor in Massachusetts history before running for president on the Democratic bill during the 1988 election, an election which he lost to George H.W. Bush. Dukakis was the second Greek-American governor in American history.
Born to an American mother and a Greek immigrant father, Spiro Agnew served as the first Greek-American governor in United States history, as the governor of Maryland. Most famously, Agnew served as vice president of the United States under Richard Nixon, until his resignation in 1973.
Born to Greek parents, American actor and singer Telly Savalas is best remembered for his titular role in the CBS crime show 'Kojak.' Savalas was also nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance in 1962's 'Birdman of Alcatraz.'
Longtime host of 'This Week with George Stephanopoulos,' George Stephanopoulos is one of the most familiar faces on morning television. He also served as the White House communications director under the Clinton administration. Both his parents are of Greek descent.
John Cassavetes was one of the most formative filmmakers of the 20th century, and is considered by many to be the father of independent American cinema. His son, Nick Cassavetes (pictured bottom), grew up to direct the immensely popular 2004 romance 'The Notebook.' John Cassavetes was born to a Greek immigrant father and Greek-American actress Katherine Cassavetes.
Elia Kazan, born in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) to Greek parents who later moved the family to the United States, was one of the most influential filmmakers of the early 20th century.
Elia Kazan's granddaughter, Zoe Kazan, keeps her family's tradition of show business alive with her critically-acclaimed film appearances.
Born to a Greek father, Bob Costas is without a doubt one of the most iconic sportscasters in American history. Costas worked with NBC Sports from 1980 to 2019, and hosted no less than 12 Olympic Games on primetime television.
Comedian Demetri Martin is the son of a Greek Orthodox priest, and can trace his lineage back to Sparta and Crete. Apart from his successful career as a stand-up comic, Martin also served as a contributor on the hit news-comedy program 'The Daily Show.'
Born to Greek immigrants in Medford, Massachusetts, Maria Menounos has become one of the most recognizable journalists and television presenters in America. She has worked as a correspondent for entertainment programs such as 'Access Hollywood,' and was a co-host for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Athens, Greece.
Born to first-generation Greek immigrants in Ohio in 1932, George Chakiris became a household name after his acclaimed performance in the 1961 film adaptation of 'West Side Story.' Chakiris was awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role.
Famous and adored for his role as Jesse Katsopolis, aka Uncle Jesse, on the hit sitcom 'Full House,' John Stamos is one of America's most adored TV actors. He is a third-generation Greek-American on his father's side.
Comedian Zach Galifianakis is considered by many to be one of the funniest people in the United States. Most famous for his starring role in the 'Hangover' trilogy, Galifianakis is also known for his hilariously uncomfortable web series 'Between Two Ferns.' His paternal grandparents were Greek immigrants from the island of Crete.
Renaissance woman Tina Fey is unstoppable. Since serving as the head writer for 'Saturday Night Live' from 1997 to 2006, Fey has gone on to create hit shows like '30 Rock' and 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,' as well as star in several films. Her maternal grandmother was Greek.
Essayist and frequent contributor to The New Yorker, David Sedaris is known for his clever, wry, and sidesplittingly funny memoirs and essays. Sedaris is best known for his 2000 collection of memoirs 'Me Talk Pretty One Day.' His paternal grandparents were Greek immigrants.
Amy Sedaris, the younger sister of David Sedaris, also makes a living from making people laugh. First finding fame after the success of her Comedy Central series 'Strangers with Candy,' Sedaris has most recently made a name for herself as a recurring presence in 'BoJack Horseman.'
Michael Chiklis is an accomplished television actor best known for his starring role in the crime drama 'The Shield,' for which he was awarded the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He was born to a second-generation Greek American father, and an American mother of Greek and Irish descent.
One of America's most dearly beloved sweethearts, Betty White's maternal grandfather was Greek. With a career spanning over seven decades, Betty White captured the hearts of multiple generations through her innumerable television and film appearances.
Ralph Macchio, the original Karate Kid who starred in the franchise's first three films, is of Italian and Greek ancestry (his father is half Greek, half Italian, while his mother is of Italian ancestry).
Wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista has been one of the most recognizable stars of the wrestling ring and the big screen for years. His mother is of Greek descent.
Kelly Clarkson, the pop star who rose to fame after winning the first season of 'American Idol,' can trace her maternal ancestry back to Greece and is said to be fluent in the Greek language.
Actor Billy Zane's first film role was a small part in 1985's classic film 'Back to the Future.' From there, Zane quickly ascended the ranks of Hollywood until landing a role as the primary antagonist in 1997's 'Titanic.' Both his parents are of Greek descent.
Guitar virtuoso and one of music's greatest weirdos, Frank Zappa has Greek ancestry on his father's side. The late musician is best remembered for his work with the experimental rock band, The Mothers of Invention.
Actress Angie Harmon is best known for her roles on 'Law & Order' and 'Rizzoli & Isles.' Her mother is of Greek descent.
The greatest Greek-Americans in show business and beyond
March is Greek-American Heritage Month
CELEBRITY Greek-american heritage month
As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, it should come as no surprise that members of the Greek diaspora have left an indelible mark on today's world. Greek-Americans in particular have proven time and time again that they are essential in popular culture. Estimates say that over three million Americans are of Greek descent, and plenty of them are people you'd be able to recognize without a second glance. Some of today's most popular performers and personalities can trace their lineage back to the beautiful Mediterranean haven of Greece.
Curious? Read on to learn which celebrities celebrate their Greek heritage.