Person · 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
In short · Acting since 1968, 7 decades active, 60 credits.
Known for
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Biography
Lainie Kazan is an American actress, singer, and classical composer who has appeared 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 · 58 of 58
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Actor
58 credits
The Italians(2025)
Lucia
Film
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3(2023)
Maria
Film
Young Jedi Adventures(2023)
Farmer Weebo
TV
Tango Shalom(2021)
Leah Zlotkin
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
Pixels(2015)
Mickey Lamonsoff
Film
I'm a Mitzvah(2014)
Actor
Film
Finding Joy(2013)
Gloria
Film
Heroes and Demons(2012)
Sharon Klublersurf (segment "Ollie Klublershturf vs. The Nazis")
Film
Divorce Invitation(2012)
Elaine Lipnicks
Film
Expecting Mary(2010)
Lillian Littlefeather
Film
Ollie Klublershturf vs. the Nazis(2010)
Sharon Klublershturf
Film
Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!!(2009)
Shirley Hirsch
Film
Modern Family(2009)
Eleanor
TV
Beau Jest(2008)
Miriam Goldman
Film
You Don't Mess with the Zohan(2008)
Gail
Film
Red Riding Hood(2006)
Grandma
FilmWhiskey School(2005)
Hedy Seligman
Film
The Engagement Ring(2005)
Alicia Rosa Anselmi
Film
Grey's Anatomy(2005)
C.J. (1 Episode)
TV
Tempted(2003)
Julia
Film
My Big Fat Greek Life(2003)
Maria Portokalos
TV
A Good Night to Die(2003)
Diane
Film
My Big Fat Greek Wedding(2002)
Maria Portokalos
Film
Eight Crazy Nights(2002)
Old Woman (singing voice)
FilmYou Dont Mess With The Zohan(2000)
Gail Klayman
Film
The Crew(2000)
Pepper Lowenstein
Film
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Additional credits2Show
Non-headline appearances — talk-show, awards-show, panel, and archive-footage credits, kept separate from the main filmography.
- Hanukkah: A Festival of DelightsSelf · 2018
- All-Star BlitzSelf · 1985
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