Became a United States Citizen in 1999
Won Chicago’s Jeff Award for the 1994 Second City revue Whitewater for Chocolate
Played the voice role of the “Map Genie” in Larry Crowne
Nia Vardalos is an Academy Award®, WGA, SAG, Critics Choice, and Golden Globe-nominated screenwriter and actor. Beyond her achievements on screen, she has made her mark as a New York Times bestselling author of her memoir “Instant Mom”, and a playwright with her play “Tiny Beautiful Things” earning the distinction of being a New York Times Critics Pick. As a voice actor, she has voiced many roles plus created and starred in Audible’s original comedy series, “Motivated!.” She recently directed and acted in her screenplay, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3,” adding another chapter to the beloved film franchise.
Vardalos rose to prominence with her work on the number one romantic comedy of all time, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” where she received an Academy Award® nomination for Original Screenplay and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. She continued her success with cult-hit “Connie and Carla,” the romantic comedy “I Hate Valentine’s Day,” co-wrote “Larry Crowne,” starred in “My Life in Ruins,” and the iconic “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” sequels.
Additional acting credits include “Ivy + Bean,” “Cabinet of Curiosities,” “Black Widow,” Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Jane the Virgin,” among many others.