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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.