On February 26, 2020, Greece mourned Kostas Voutsas, one of the greatest actors of his generation and an icon of Greek cinema and television. He was 89.
Voutsas was known for his comedic brilliance and immense contribution to Greek cinema, theater and television. His career spanned over six decades, making him a household name and a cultural icon.
In a video shot on his birthday on January 31, 2019, Voutsas thanks his fans for sending birthday wishes and notes with humor: “I am closing in on 90, but I assure you I will be around until I am 110!”
Voutsas studied at the Drama School of the Macedonian Conservatory before moving to Athens, where he became a leading figure in the “Golden Age” of Greek cinema in the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1961 his breakthrough came when the Greek film director Giannis Dalianidis gave him a leading role in his phenomenally successful youth melodrama O Katiforos.
He starred in numerous classic Greek films, often playing the role of the charming, mischievous, yet lovable character. His performances in films like O Katiforos (The Downhill) (1961), Oi Thalassies Oi Hadres (The Blue Beads) (1967), and O Paras kai O Foukaras (The Rich and the Poor) (1964) cemented his reputation.
Kostas Voutsas showcased his dramatic talent on stage and screen
He was particularly associated with comedic roles, but he also showcased his dramatic talent on stage and screen. Beyond film, Voutsas had a successful theater career, performing in countless plays and musicals. His infectious energy, unique voice and masterful comic timing made him a favorite among Greek audiences for generations.
Aris Papargyropoulos, who starred alongside Voutsas at one of his famous movies “Roda, tsanta kai kopana” recently told Greek Reporter: “I was fortunate enough to have worked with Voutsas on my very first film. Despite him being this legendary actor, it felt as if he was our friend. His energy was that of a young man’s and he would always make everyone around him laugh. Really humble person. By the time I had a scene with him, I had zero stress or anxiety left, cause he had this way of making the actors, new or experienced, feel really comfortable sharing the screen with him. A big part of classic Greek Cinema died with him.”
Even in his later years, he remained active in the entertainment industry, proving his versatility and enduring appeal. His death on February 26, 2020, marked the loss of a true legend in Greek performing arts.
