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  • 12 interesting things you probably didn't know about the 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' movies

12 interesting things you probably didn't know about the 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' movies

Eve CrosbieSep 9, 2023, 01:23 IST

John Corbett and Nia Vardalos in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002).Playtone

  • A third installment in the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" franchise was released on September 8, 2023.
  • Star and screenwriter Nia Vardalos struggled to get the first film made — until Tom Hanks came along.
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"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" is based on a real life story, and was a stage play before it was a movie.

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" star and screenwriter Nia Vardalos in 2002.Evan Agostini/ImageDirect/Getty Images

Vardalos struggled to convince Hollywood producers to adapt her play into a film — until Tom Hanks came along.

Rita Wilson, Nia Vardalos, and Tom Hanks in 2003.Vince Bucci/Getty Images
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The first film is one of the top-grossing romantic films of the 21st century.

A still from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."IFC Films

John Corbett was offered the role of Ian without an audition.

Nia Vardalos and John Corbett in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."Playtone
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The unforgettable hair-grabbing scene was improvised.

John Corbett, Nia Vardalos, and Andrea Martin in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."Playtone

On their first date, Toula and Ian sit below bowls of oranges and apples — the fruit each of their surnames comes from in Greek.

The first date between Toula (Nia Vardalos) and Ian (John Corbett) in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002).Playtone
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Vardalos' real husband — who inspired the character of Ian — appears in the first two films.

Ian Gomez in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."Playtone

The posters for the films don't actually make a lot of sense to Greek audiences.

The poster for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."Playtone
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Before the sequel was released in 2016, there was an attempt to follow up the story in a television sitcom.

Nia Vardalos and Steven Eckholdt in "My Big Fat Greek Life."CBS via Getty Images

Toula's father's faith in Windex as a cure-all for all ailments was inspired by Vardalo's own father.

Michael Constantine's character was based on Vardalos' real father.Golden Circle Films/HBO
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The household window cleaning product reportedly received a slight sales bump after the first film was released.

Michael Constantine in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2."Playtone

Vardalos and Corbett practiced their first kiss off-camera, leading a hairstylist for the film to believe they were having an affair.

John Corbett and Nia Vardalos promoting "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" in 2002.Denise Truscello/WireImage/Getty Images
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