Actor
Lainie Kazan
A seasoned Broadway star turned beloved TV icon, Lainie Kazan navigates the glitz of showbiz and the warmth of family as she brings humor and heart to iconic roles from *The Nanny* to *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*.
- Also:
- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Known for
Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's catalogued credits.
Biography
Lainie Kazan is an American actress, singer, and classical composer known for her work in television and film. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in *St. Elsewhere* and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for *My Favorite Year*. Kazan also earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the 1982 television film *My Favorite Year*. She is perhaps best known for portraying Maria Portokalos in the *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* franchise and Aunt Freida on the sitcom *The Nanny*.
Filmography · 39 of 39
Actor
39 credits
The Italians(2025)
Lucia
Film
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3(2023)
Maria
Film
Tango Shalom(2021)
Leah Zlotkin
Film
Hanukkah: A Festival of Delights(2018)
Self
Film
The Amityville Murders(2018)
Angela 'Nonna' Brigante
Film
Garlic & Gunpowder(2017)
Rose Lusconi, Sonny's Mother
Film
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2(2016)
Maria
Film
Pearly Gates(2015)
Millie
TV
Finding Joy(2013)
Gloria
Film
Divorce Invitation(2012)
Elaine Lipnicks
Film
Expecting Mary(2010)
Lillian Littlefeather
Film
Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!!(2009)
Shirley Hirsch
Film
You Don't Mess with the Zohan(2008)
Gail
Film
Beau Jest(2008)
Miriam Goldman
Film
Red Riding Hood(2006)
Grandma
FilmWhiskey School(2005)
Hedy Seligman
Film
A Good Night to Die(2003)
Diane
Film
My Big Fat Greek Wedding(2002)
Maria Portokalos
Film
The Crew(2000)
Pepper Lowenstein
Film
Safety Patrol(1998)
Mrs. Day
Film
The Unknown Cyclist(1998)
Rachel
Film
The Big Hit(1998)
Jeanne Shulman
Film
Allie & Me(1997)
Camille Alexander
Film
Love Is All There Is(1996)
Sadie
Film
The Associate(1996)
Cindy Mason
Film
The Cemetery Club(1993)
Selma
Film
I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore(1992)
Sarah Fishbine
Film
29th Street(1991)
Mrs. Pesce
Film
Beaches(1988)
Leona Bloom
Film
Medium Rare(1987)
Helga Costas
Film
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