We all know hollywood celebrities but some of them have origin from Greece! We decided to choose a small but classic list of the stars that you probably didn’t know that they have Greek origin. These hollywood celebrities may not live in Greece at all , may don’t speak Greek but have some percentage of this unique blue and white in their bloodline . Let’s start with the basics!
1.Maria Menounos
Not only TV Host but also Entrepreneur, Maria Menounos is an only child , both her parents are Greek Kostas and the late Litsa Menounos in Boston. As we all know she has hosted Eurovision Song Contest when it was organized in Athens and even had a wonderfull Greek wedding in her dad’s village in Akova, Greece.
2. Jennifer Aniston
The daughter of Greek-born actor John Aniston (from Crete island) and American actress Nancy Dow.We know Jennifer Anniston from many movies and tv series.Her father’s name was Giannis Anastasakis in Athens, Greece and anglicized his name when his family moved to the USA. He played Victor Kiriakis on Days of Our Lives.
3.ZACH GALIFIANAKIS
You probably know him from his unforgettable performance at ‘The hangover’ trilogy. Zachary Galifianakis was born in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. He is son of Mary Frances and heating oil vendor Harry Galifianakis. His paternal grandparents were Greek immigrants from the Crete island. Zaharias was baptized in the Greek Orthodox church.
4.MELINA KANAKAREDES
Melina Kanakaredes is a multi-talented actor, philanthropist, director and writer and has earned critical acclaim for her work on television, film and Broadway. For Six seasons, Melina starred in the internationally popular television series CSI: NY.Melina Kanakaredes was born in Akron, Ohio, and is the daughter of candy store owner Connie and insurance salesman Harry Kanakaredes. She is a second-generation Greek-American who is proficient in Greek.
5.RALPH MACCHIO
Of course we can’t forget him starring at the hit classic movie “Karate Kid”. Ralph Macchio is one quarter Greek.His father is half Greek and half Italian and his mother is Italian.
6.TINA FAY
Elizabeth Stamatina “Tina” Fey is an accomplished actress in both television and cinema. She is executive producer, writer, and star of the comedy series 30 Rock. Zenobia “Jeanne,” her mother, was born in Piraeus, Athens, and immigrated to the United States when she was a little child. Her maternal grandmother is from the Peloponnese region of Laconia. Two Golden Globes, an Emmy, four SAG Awards, and a People’s Choice Award have all been won by Fey. She has worked on numerous productions, such as Mean Girls, Date Night, and Saturday Night Live.
7.HUGH JACKMAN
Last but not least , Hugh Jackman is an Australian performer who is called as a “triple threat” because he is not only a successful actor but also dancer and singer. He is probably best known for his action movies and stage musicals. His great grandfather from his father’s side Nicholas Bellas was Greek and Hugh seems to feel this bonding with Greece.
Some of his words about his greek roots : “As an Australian we have so many Greeks living there that I feel like I’m part Greek, and I am actually by blood.”
