Is Nia Vardalos actually Greek?

Early and personal life. Vardalos was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on September 24, 1962. She is the daughter of Greek Canadian parents Doreen Christakos, a bookkeeper and homemaker, and Constantine “Gus” Vardalos, a land developer who was born in Kalavryta, Greece.

Is Nia Vardalos married?

Ian GomezNia Vardalos / Spouse (m. 1993–2018)Ian Braque Gomez is an American actor known for his comedic TV work, which include series-regular roles as Javier on Felicity and Andy on Cougar Town. Wikipedia

How are Toula and Ian similar and different?

Whereas Toula has a large overbearing family that is involved in every step of her life, Ian’s family is more relaxed and hands-off. Where Toula’s family is very religious and feel Ian must get baptized and that they must get married in the church, Ian’s parents suggest getting married at the club.

Why do they spit on Greek brides?

There is also a very old Greek tradition that requires to “spit” on the Bride and Groom. Of course, no literally. But by pretending that spitting on the happy couple the guest protect them from evil spirits!

What does Xeno mean in My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

Toula’s father says that Toula has finally met a boy, but not a nice Greek boy, no a “Xeno with long hairs on his head!” Xeno means “foreigner.”

Who played Yaya in My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

Bess Meisler
Bess Meisler played Yiayia, Toula’s grandmother. Since the first film, she’s appeared in “Daddy Daycare,” ” Room 6,” and “The Perfect Family.”

Who is Aunt Voula in Big Fat Greek Wedding?

Andrea Martin
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) – Andrea Martin as Aunt Voula – IMDb.

How does Toula feel about her family?

She has always been more open-minded than her family, and is learning that she can cherish her heritage without going overboard like her father. Ultimately, Toula is smart and caring, and really loves her family despite how much they get on her nerves.

What is the theme of My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

My Big Fat Greek wedding shows views of the world of traditional Greek culture, the food, the loudness, and the strong family values. The movie portrays the need to overcome differences while not diminishing the beauty of tradition.

Why do Greeks do things 3 times?

But, not literally. Guests will pretend to spit on the Bride and Groom to protect them from any evil spirits on their big day! This is generally done three times for greater luck.

Who pays for a Greek wedding?

Who pays for a Greek wedding? The parents of the couples may pay for the venue and wedding ceremony. However, the Koumbaro and Koumbara will most likely pay for the crowns and candles that are used in the traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony performances.

What does Exceno mean in Greek?

stranger, guest
Origin of xeno- Combining form of Greek xénos stranger, guest (noun); alien, foreign, strange (adj.)

How old is Toula My Big Fat?

30-year-old
Vardalos stars in the movie as Toula Portokalos, a 30-year-old unmarried waitress at her father’s Greek restaurant, Dancing Zorbas, when she meets the love of her life and breaks cultural barriers while providing a movie full of hearty laughs that are based on her own real-life experiences.

How old is Nia Valdaros?

59 years (September 24, 1962)Nia Vardalos / Age

What type of family is the portokalos at the beginning of the movie?

Plot. Thirty-year-old Fotoula “Toula” Portokalos is a member of a large, loud, intrusive Greek family that only wants her to get married and have children. Frumpy and meek, she works in her family’s Chicago restaurant, “Dancing Zorba’s”, but longs to do something more with her life.

What does Toula mean in Greek?

light
The name Toula is girl’s name of Greek origin meaning “light”. Toula came to light as the name of the heroine of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” short for Fotoula, a feminine version of Fotis or Fotios which means light.

Who is Toula Portokalos?

Toula Portokalos is a 30-year old Greek woman who faces difficulties with finding her place in life. She lives in the closed Greek community in Chicago, works at the Greek restaurant of her father, and does not have a connection to the outside world.

Who is Toula Kavala?

Toula has always known she was different from all the blonde, pretty girls in school. She describes her younger self as a “swarthy 6-year-old with sideburns” who had to go to Greek school instead of Brownies. Living… at home. Toula is now 30, and she is the only woman in her family who has failed to find a nice, Greek husband and have babies.

What are the customs of the portokaloses?

The custom to gather together in celebration is mandatory to the Portokaloses; it is unquestionable and unchangeable for the family because they are Greek and they should share these events with Greeks. Another representative cultural aspect is the norm of kissing each other in the family.

What happened to Toula at Zorba’s?

her new job, but someone new has captured her attention. While still working at Zorba’s, a handsome professor named Ian Miller came into the restaurant and the awkward, insecure Toula really embarrassed herself in front of him. Later, Ian sees her working at the travel agency and introduces himself to the unrecognizable Greek beauty.