Actor originally from North Bay excited to reprise role in ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ franchise

Canadian actor Gerry Mendicino, whose roots are planted in North Bay, is practicing his "Opa!" as he prepares to step back into the 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ franchise later this year.

 

Mendicino, who often comes back to the city for visits and productions, says he's excited to play the role of Uncle Taki once again, this time in the third film. He also played the same role in the first two films.

 

"We just got right back into the routine," he chuckled.

 

Production of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3' began in June, 2022 and wrapped up in mid-August last year.

 

In the trailer that was unveiled Thursday, Toula Portokalos (played by Canadian actor Nia Vardalos) intends to honour her father's final wish: for the entire Portokalos family to visit his childhood Greek village and reconnect with their roots. The film follows the wacky, loud and loving family as they jet off to Greece for a family reunion.

 

As part of the cast, Mendicino had the opportunity to travel to the country for production.

 

"We all greeted each other in Athens with big hugs and we're all back from where we were in 2016," he explained. “We had a wonderful time. We were at the airport and all the mobile homes were there and we were all there set up and I look around and I couldn't think of another place I'd rather be." 

 

GerryMendicino.com

 

The first film in the franchise debuted in 2002 to overwhelming success generating close to $387 million at the box office. 14-years later, a sequel was made in 2016.

 

While Mendicino acknowledged his role in the third film is somewhat smaller than the first two movies, he explained it pays tribute film to several characters, including that of Kostas "Gus" Portokalos, who was portrayed by the late Michael Constantine, who died in 2021.

 

Mendicino, who shot several scenes with Constantine in the first two films, took time to pay his respects to the former actor.

 

"I really enjoyed working with Michael,” he explained. “We were best friends and our characters were best friends. So we did a lot of scenes together. We had a wonderful time together. I miss him.”

 

While reflecting on his time on set, Mendicino recalled one scene shot at the Athens International Airport with the entire cast.

 

“They wanted to get us all together for one last time,” he chuckled.

 

Mendicino started his career on the children's show ‘Polka Dot Door’, and the popular TV series ‘King of Kensington’. But he adds ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ is by far the biggest thing to happen to him.

 

“I’m very excited to see the next one myself,” he said.

 

The film's trailer can be viewed here.

 

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 hits theaters on Sept. 8.