Sotiris Moustakas

Early life

He was born in Limassol, Cyprus.

Career

One of the most significant comic actors of Greece and Cyprus, Moustakas graduated from the National Theater of Greece and was known for his portrayal of offbeat, neurotic yet likable characters. In many of his movies he portrayed multiple roles. He appeared primarily in modern films and plays, although he also performed several roles in classical works.

Moustakas' international film debut came in 1964 in the Oscar-winning Zorba the Greek starring Anthony Quinn, in which he played Mimithos, the village idiot.

Although his recent work was mainly in the theatre, he also had a role in the 2007 film El Greco.

Political activities

Although not widely advertised, Moustakas in his youth was involved in the Greek Cypriot national liberation struggle of EOKA against British colonialism, acting as a messenger, and writing political graffiti. During that period, he was arrested by the British and spent 7 months in jail.

Death

Moustakas felt unwell during rehearsals for an upcoming Aristophanes play, and was transferred to the General State Hospital of Athens. He was taken to the intensive care unit, where he died in the early morning hours of 4 June 2007. At his funeral, his coffin was draped with a Greek flag.

Personal life

He was married to the Greek actress Maria Bonellou, with whom he had a daughter.

... a.k.a. Nona enantion mafiozou (Greece: video title)