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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Breast cancer screening should start at age 40, Canadian Cancer Society says
The Canadian Cancer Society says all provinces and territories should lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40.
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Canadian-Israeli man shot dead in Egypt; claim links killing to Gaza
A Canadian man 'of Jewish Israeli descent' has been shot dead in the Egyptian city of Alexandria in a suspected criminal case, a security source said, while a previously unknown militant group said it carried out the attack in reaction to the war in Gaza.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.