Nia Vardalos
Oscar-Nominated Actress, Screenwriter & Producer Known for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
Best known for writing, producing, and starring in the widely acclaimed film My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
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Full Bio
Best known for writing, producing, and starring in the widely acclaimed film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos is an Academy Award-nominated writer, actor, director, and producer, as well as an adoption advocate.
While making small appearances in sitcoms such as The Drew Carey Show and Two Guys and a Girl, Vardalos began writing a screenplay about her wedding to husband and fellow actor Ian Gomez. Unable to get the screenplay produced, she turned the material into a stage performance. My Big Fat Greek Wedding soon began commanding sold-out performances and drew the attention of Hollywood heavyweight couple Rita Wilson – herself a member of the Greek community – and her husband Tom Hanks.
Wilson and Hanks decided to produce Vardalos’ screenplay with Vardalos as the star. Premiering in 2002, My Big Fat Greek Wedding was an immediate critical and box-office sensation, becoming one of the highest grossing independent films of all time and the highest grossing romantic comedy of all time. The film garnered Vardalos an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay; a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical; a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture; a Broadcast Film Critics Association nomination for Best Writer; and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance. The film’s success catapulted Vardalos to national fame, and spawned 2003’s My Big Fat Greek Life, a television series based on the movie.
Since then, she has written, produced, and starred in a number of acclaimed comedies, including Connie and Carla with Toni Collette and David Duchovny, My Life in Ruins with Richard Dreyfuss, and I Hate Valentine’s Day.
Nia Vardalos is the author of Instant Mom – published in April 2013 – a witty, honest, and poignant road-to-parenting story about the circumstances that led to the adoption of her daughter, the daily chaos of parenting, and the inspiration for her becoming a major advocate for adoption.
Most recently, Vardalos has written and acted in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, the sequel to the original movie. The film is set to release on March 25, 2016
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Instant Mom: A Road-to-Parenting Story
Videos
Nia Vardalos Cooked a Greek Meal for The Golden Girls Cast
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Inside Nia Vardalos’ SUCCESS Story (Flashback)
News
Testimonials
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