Dukakis, Olympia (1931–)
Dukakis, Olympia (1931–)
American actress and theater founder. Born June 20, 1931, in Lowell, Massachusetts; dau. of Greek immigrants; cousin of Michael Dukakis (gov. of Massachusetts); sister of actor Apollo Dukakis; m. Louis Zorich (actor), 1962.
Helped found the Charles Playhouse in Boston and, with husband, founded the Whole Theatre company in Montclair, New Jersey, where she acted and directed; made film debut in Lilith (1964), followed by Twice a Man, John and Mary, Made for Each Other, Death Wish, The Wanderers, Working Girl, Steel Magnolias, Dad, Look Who's Talking, In the Spirit, The Cemetery Club, Over the Hill, Mighty Aphrodite and Mr. Holland's Opus, among others; on tv, appeared as Dr. Barbara Moreno on "Search for Tomorrow" (1983), starred in "The Last of the Blonde Bombshells" (2000) and in Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City" (1993), "More Tales of the City" (1998), "Further Tales of the City" (2001), and "Babycakes" (2003). Won 2 Obies for off-Broadway performances and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Moonstruck (1987).