Olympia Dukakis

Easton Press Olympia Dukakis books

Ask Me Again Tomorrow - signed first edition - 2003

 

Actress Olympia Dukakis

Olympia Dukakis, a distinguished American actress, was born on June 20, 1931, in Lowell, Massachusetts. She came from a Greek immigrant family, and her early life was marked by a deep connection to her cultural roots. Dukakis developed a passion for the arts, particularly theater, from a young age. After completing her education, Dukakis embarked on a career in acting. She began her journey on the stage, working in regional theater productions and gradually making her way to Broadway. Her talent and commitment to her craft garnered attention, leading to a successful stage career.

Dukakis gained wider recognition for her work in film, earning critical acclaim for her performance in the 1987 film Moonstruck. Her portrayal of Rose Castorini, the mother of Cher's character, earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The success of Moonstruck catapulted Dukakis into the Hollywood spotlight and solidified her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress. Beyond her iconic role in Moonstruck, Olympia Dukakis contributed to numerous film and television projects. Her filmography includes notable works such as Steel Magnolias (1989), Mr. Holland's Opus (1995), and The Event (2003). She also became a familiar face on television, with appearances in series like Tales of the City (1993) and Joan of Arc (1999).

Throughout her career, Dukakis maintained a strong connection to the theater, both on and off Broadway. She was involved in various productions, showcasing her talent in classical and contemporary plays. Her dedication to the stage earned her respect and admiration within the theater community. Olympia Dukakis was not only celebrated for her acting prowess but also for her advocacy work. She was outspoken on social and political issues, using her platform to address topics such as LGBTQ rights and gender equality. Dukakis was a trailblazer in an industry where women, particularly those of a certain age, often face challenges in securing meaningful roles. Olympia Dukakis continued to contribute to the arts and entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on American cinema and theater. Her career, spanning decades, showcased a remarkable talent that transcended genres and mediums. She passed away on May 1, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of impactful performances and a commitment to using her voice for social change.

 

Ask Me Again Tomorrow - A Life in Progress

Something about Olympia Dukakis just speaks to people. In her signature straight-talk style, she tells the story of her own history and career. Olympia Dukakis, internationally known movie and theater star, was born into a Greek family in Lowell, Massachusetts. As a first generation Greek-American, Olympia “lived in the hyphen” and struggled to reconcile her American desires with her family’s old-world traditions. Ask Me Again Tomorrow tells the story of Olympia’s struggle to find her place as an American, as a woman and as a star. It specifically explores the relationship between Olympia, whose main ambition was to live her life exactly as she wanted, and her mother, who spent a lifetime constrained by a tradition that delegated her to second class. Like Sidney Poitier’s This Life and The Measure of a Man, this is a book that is more than a celebrity memoir. Ask Me Again Tomorrow will speak to many readers who also experienced America as an adopted country; readers interested in the art of acting; readers interested in autobiography, and particularly to female readers who have struggled with fitting their own aspirations in with the needs of family. It is a book that will endure.