Nia Vardalos

Nia Vardalos, born on September 24, 1962, is a Canadian actress and screenwriter. She gained recognition for her work in the romantic comedy film 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' (2002), where she both starred in and wrote the screenplay. The film earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Comedy or Musical. Vardalos was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Greek Canadian parents. She attended St. George School, Shaftesbury High School, and Toronto Metropolitan University. Before her breakthrough in 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding,' Vardalos performed in numerous sketch comedy revues as part of the Second City comedy repertory company in Chicago. She also had small roles in popular television shows like 'The Drew Carey Show' and 'Two Guys and a Girl.'