Oscar-winning ‘Moonstruck’ actress Olympia Dukakis dies at 89 – Everett Post

Olympia Dukakis, Oscar winner for Moonstruck, has died. She was 89 years old.

Her brother, Apolloconfirmed her death on his Facebook page on Saturday, writing, “My beloved sister Olympia Dukakis passed away this morning in New York City. After many months of poor health, she is finally at peace and with her [husband] Louis [Zorich]. ”

Dukaki’s cause of death was not given.

Dukakis was born in Lowell, Massachusetts to Greek immigrant parents and later became a seasoned stage and film actress. She was perhaps best known for gambling Cher‘s mother – the matter-of-fact Rose Castorini – in the 1987 romantic comedy Moonstruck. The role earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.

In her acceptance speech, Dukakis greeted her cousin, the former governor of Massachusetts. Michael Dukakiswho won the Democratic nomination in the 1988 presidential election. He ultimately lost the election George HW Bush.

Dukakis was also known for her film roles in Steel Magnolias, Look Who’s Talking, and Mr. Holland’s Opus, as well as in the miniseries Tales of the City. She performed on stage in New York productions such as Bertolt BrechtCourage of the mother and her children, Eugene O’NeillThe long day’s journey into the night Tennessee Williams’ The rose tattoo and Martin ShermanRose, a play starring an actor for which she received a Drama Desk Award nomination.

Responding to news of Dukakis’ posting on Twitter, Cher wrote, “Olympia Dukakis was an amazing Oscar-winning actress. Olympia played my mother in Moonstruck, and although her role was that of a suffering woman, we [laughed] The whole time.”

Cher continued, “She would tell me how much she loved Louis, her“ handsome talented husband ”. I spoke to her 3 weeks ago. Rip Dear One. “

Dukakis is survived by their children Christina, Stefan and Peter;; her brother Apollo Dukakis; and four grandchildren. Dukaki’s husband, actor Louis Zorich, died in January 2018 at the age of 93.