15 Greek Celebrities Everyone Should Know

Greek Celebrities Shining Bright

From Hollywood and music to sports and media, Greek celebrities have left an unforgettable mark on the world. Some were born in Greece, while others are part of the Greek diaspora, but all share a connection to one of the oldest cultures in history.

This list highlights 15 Greek celebrities everyone should know, icons whose talent and heritage have made them recognizable across the globe.

1. Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston’s Greek heritage comes through her father, the late John Aniston, who was born Yiannis Anastasakis on the island of Crete. Like many Greek immigrants, the family shortened their surname from Anastasakis to Aniston after moving to the United States.

She grew up connected to her roots, attending Greek Orthodox church services with her family and spending time with relatives in Greece.

Aniston made her name as Rachel Green on Friends, a role that launched her into worldwide stardom, and she has since become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable Greek-Americans.

Fun fact: she once joked that her iconic hair was thanks to “good Greek genes.”

2. John Stamos

John Stamos has always been open about his Greek background. His father, William Stamos, was a Greek immigrant from the Peloponnese region.

Stamos rose to fame as Uncle Jesse on Full House and has enjoyed a long career in television, film, and theater. He often references his Greek heritage in interviews and remains connected to the Greek-American community.

Fun fact: Stamos is a strong supporter of Greek causes and has attended countless Greek festivals in the United States.

3. Zach Galifianakis

Comedian and actor Zach Galifianakis comes from a Greek family with roots in Crete. His father, Harry, ran a heating oil business, and Zach has said his Greek background shaped his upbringing in North Carolina.

Galifianakis broke through in Hollywood with his role in The Hangover trilogy, becoming one of the most recognizable comedic actors of his generation.

Fun fact: Zach once performed in Athens and joked that it felt like “a giant family reunion.”

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo, known worldwide as the “Greek Freak,” was born in Athens to Nigerian immigrant parents. Although his family faced challenges as undocumented immigrants in Greece, Giannis proudly embraced the country that raised him, even carrying the Greek flag onto the court during NBA moments.

He made his name with the Milwaukee Bucks, leading the team to an NBA championship in 2021 and winning multiple MVP awards. Today, Giannis is one of the biggest stars in basketball and a global symbol of Greek pride.

Fun fact: he is often spotted enjoying souvlaki when visiting his old Athens neighborhood.

5. Rita Wilson

Rita Wilson, born Margarita Ibrahimoff, is of Greek and Bulgarian descent. Her father changed the family name after immigrating to the United States, but Wilson has always been proud of her roots.

She is a successful actress, singer, and producer, and is married to Tom Hanks. Together they have supported many Greek causes and spend much of their time at their home on the island of Antiparos.

Fun fact: Rita speaks fluent Greek and often sings Greek songs in her performances.

6. Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is not Greek by birth, but his connection to Greece runs deep. Married to Rita Wilson, he converted to the Greek Orthodox faith and in 2020 was granted honorary Greek citizenship for his long-standing love of the country and his support of wildfire relief efforts.

Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, with roles in classics like Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan. His ties to Greece have made him an honorary member of the community.

Fun fact: Hanks spends summers on the island of Antiparos, where he and Wilson own a home.

7. Maria Menounos

TV host, actress, and journalist Maria Menounos is the daughter of Greek immigrant parents. Raised in Massachusetts, she grew up speaking Greek at home and remains deeply connected to her roots.

Menounos has built a successful career in television, hosting shows like Extra and appearing on Today. She is also heavily involved in Greek-American cultural events and charities.

Fun fact: Maria has competed in Greek dance competitions and speaks fluent Greek.

8. Tina Fey

Comedian and actress Tina Fey is half Greek on her mother’s side. Her mother, Zenobia Xenakes, passed down a strong sense of Greek culture and heritage.

Fey became a household name through Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, earning critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards. She has occasionally referenced her Greek background in interviews and comedy sketches.

Fun fact: Fey’s middle name is Stamatina, a traditional Greek name.

9. Arianna Huffington

Arianna Huffington, co-founder of Huffington Post, was born in Athens before moving to the United Kingdom and later the United States. She studied economics at Cambridge and became one of the most influential voices in global media.

Huffington has always spoken proudly of her Greek upbringing and often references classical philosophy in her work.

Fun fact: her birth name is Ariadni-Anna Stasinopoulou.

10. Billy Zane

Actor Billy Zane, best known for his role as Cal Hockley in Titanic, comes from a Greek family with roots in Mani, in the Peloponnese.

Zane has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often embracing roles that highlight his Mediterranean heritage.

Fun fact: Zane is fluent in Greek and has attended many cultural events in the community.

11. Nia Vardalos

Nia Vardalos is the writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the film that brought Greek culture into the global spotlight. Born in Canada to Greek immigrant parents, she drew heavily on her own life experiences to write the film.

The movie became a surprise box-office hit and remains the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. Vardalos has since continued acting, writing, and producing.

Fun fact: Vardalos based many of the characters in her film directly on her relatives.

12. Kelly Clarkson

Pop star Kelly Clarkson has Greek ancestry on her mother’s side, though it is less publicly known compared to other celebrities on this list.

Clarkson rose to fame after winning the first season of American Idol and has since become one of the most successful recording artists in the world.

Fun fact: Clarkson once mentioned her Greek roots in an interview while discussing her diverse heritage.

13. George Michael

Legendary singer George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou to a Greek Cypriot father. He grew up in London but remained connected to his Greek background throughout his life.

As a member of Wham! and later as a solo artist, Michael became one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Fun fact: George Michael often visited Cyprus privately, away from the spotlight, to reconnect with his family roots.

14. Criss Angel

Magician and illusionist Criss Angel, born Christopher Sarantakos, is of Greek descent. His family comes from Rhodes, and his heritage has always been a source of pride.

Angel became famous through his Las Vegas stage shows and his television series Mindfreak. He is one of the most recognizable magicians in the world today.

Fun fact: Criss Angel has incorporated Greek symbols and references into some of his performances.

15. Bob Costas

Bob Costas, one of America’s most respected sportscasters, is of Greek descent on his father’s side. His full surname, Kóstas, reflects his family’s heritage, with family roots tracing back to the island of Kalymnos.

Over a career spanning decades, Costas has covered nearly every major sporting event, including multiple Olympic Games. His Greek background has been an important part of his identity, even as he became a household name in American sports media.

Fun fact: Costas has said that his love of storytelling comes from growing up in a Greek household.

Conclusion

From Hollywood superstars like Jennifer Aniston and John Stamos to athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo and global icons like George Michael, Greek celebrities continue to make their mark on the world. Their stories reflect not only personal success but also the enduring influence of Greek heritage and culture.

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