‘Moonstruck’ Star Olympia Dukakis Dies At 89

On May 1, Olympia Dukakis died at the age of 89, only just a month and a half before her ninetieth birthday. Dukakis died following a short period of dealing with an undisclosed illness. Dukakis was known for appearing in films such as The Idolmaker (1980), Working Girl (1988), Steel Magnolias (1989), The Event (2003) and Cloudburst (2011). However, she was best known for starring in the 1987 romantic comedy film Moonstruck directed by Norman Jewison as the character of Rose Castorini, the mother of the main character Loretta Castorini (Cher). Following her performance in the movie, Dukakis received critical acclaim and won multiple awards for her role, including a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In recent years, she starred in the Netflix sequel to Tales of The City.

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The actress’ death was announced by her brother Apollo, who confirmed Dukakis’ passing in a Facebook post on Saturday, saying she was now with her late husband Louis Zorich. “My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City. After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her [husband] Louis [Zorich].” Dukakis was in hospice for some time before she died.

Dukakis is survived by her brother and three kids Stefan Zorich, Christina Zorich and Peter Zorich. Following Dukakis’ death, celebrities such as Cher, Viola Davis, Sally Field, Ed Asner, Marlee Matlin and Mia Farrow paid tribute to the late actress on social media, praising her for many of her iconic performances, inspiring them in some of their own acting careers.