Rest in peace
Oscar-winner Olympia Dukakis dies at age 89: Cher and more stars pay tribute
The Moonstruck star leaves behind a glittering legacy
Olympia Dukakis has died at the age of 89. The acclaimed actress passed away in New York City on Saturday, May 1, according to her brother Apollo Dukakis. “After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her [late husband] Louis [Zorich],” he wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of his “beloved sister.”
The Massachusetts native leaves behind a major mark on the entertainment industry, playing in over 60 films, 50 TV shows and a whopping 130 stage productions, where she earned an Obie Award. While her turns in projects like Steel Magnolias and Tales of the City are celebrated, she will perhaps be most remembered for Moonstruck.
Scroll for the sweetest star tributes
Olympia Dukakis brought warmth, humor and wit to the stage and screen for almost 60 years, including a stellar run of unforgettable roles in "Steel Magnolias" "Tales of the City" and "Moonstruck," for which she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. She will be missed. pic.twitter.com/TLuNTx32PI
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) May 1, 2021
Dukakis played Cher’s sardonic mother in the 1987 romantic comedy. Her performance was quickly woven onto the fabric of film history when she was awarded an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She also earned the Golden Globe for the role.
Olympia was married to the love of her life Louis Zorich for about six decades before he passed away in January of 2018. The couple bonded over their love of art, cofounding the Whole Theater Company in Montclair, New Jersey. They shared three children: Christina, Stefan and Peter. Our thoughts go out to Olympia’s loved ones at this time.
From Cher to here are some of the most beautiful tributes from her celebrity friends:
Cher
Olympia Dukakis Was an Amazing,Academy Award Winning Actress.Olympia Played My Mom In Moonstruck,& Even Though Her Part was
— Cher (@cher) May 1, 2021
That Of a Suffering Wife, We😂ALL The Time.She Would Tell Me How MUCH She Loved Louis,Her”Handsome Talented,Husband”.I Talked To Her 3Wks Ago. Rip Dear One pic.twitter.com/RcCZaeKFmz
George Takei
Olympia Dukakis has departed our company. We were Moonstruck by her, as she told us great Tales of the City. A true Steel Magnolia within a more common forest. Ah, what a life force, her later years her best. Rest now among the heavens, Olympia.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 1, 2021
Viola Davis
RIP Olympia Dukakis...the consummate actor. You made all around you step up their game. A joy to work with. Rest well. "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest".💛💛💛https://t.co/9uC2Ld4rTU
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) May 1, 2021
Kirstie Alley
Oh my.. Olympia Dukakis has passed away.. She will forever be young in my mind and be my loving movie mother. When will I learn that people do not live forever & the time to engage is NOW?.. RIP pic.twitter.com/TNWwcjFfu0
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) May 1, 2021
Rosie
so sad to hear - Theater veteran Olympia Dukakis, the Oscar-winning 'Moonstruck' actress, has died https://t.co/bKMOH9nR5U
— ROSIE (@Rosie) May 1, 2021
