Beloved actress who played loud, loving matriarch in 2002 romcom makes rare outing in LA…can you guess who?

by

She first gained recognition singing in Broadway shows in the mid-1960s, and later became famous for her memorable role as a mother in a classic Hollywood film.

This actress became famous in the early 2000s for playing a memorable, boisterous, yet kind and affectionate mother figure in a popular romantic comedy.

Before becoming widely known, the Brooklyn-born performer established herself as a talented singer and actress. She performed alongside famous stars like Dean Martin and even filled in as an understudy for Barbra Streisand in the 1964 hit musical, *Funny Girl*.

She acted in many TV shows, but she’s best remembered for her role as Aunt Frieda on the popular sitcom *The Nanny*. She also appeared on the medical drama *St. Elsewhere*, and her work on that show earned her an Emmy nomination.

Now 85 years old, the beloved TV and stage actress generally stays out of the public eye, so seeing her at an event in Los Angeles last week was a pleasant surprise.

Can you guess who it is? 

It’s Lainie Kazan! 

Nia Vardalos, the actress famous for playing Maria Portokalos in the *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* movies, was photographed out and about in Los Angeles last Monday, according to photos published by Daily Mail.

Fans noticed the Broadway star needed help getting out of a car and into a wheelchair, a gentle sign of how time has passed for the formerly energetic performer.

Despite appearing much different from her famous stage and movie image, Kazan still managed to look effortlessly glamorous, wearing a leopard-print blouse, wide-legged taupe pants, sandals, and a delicate white ruffled shawl.

She also accessorized with dangling gold earrings, designer sunglasses, and gold jewelry. 

Elaine Kazan started her career in the 1960s performing in clubs and variety shows. She later became a film actress, with a notable role in the 1982 film *My Favorite Year*, which earned her a Golden Globe award.

She also played a leading role in the Broadway adaptation of the film, winning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in 1993.

At the peak of her career in 1970, she famously appeared in Playboy magazine. This bold move grabbed attention and solidified her reputation as both a stunning beauty and a talented performer.

Nia Vardalos became known to a new generation of fans thanks to her hugely successful 2002 romantic comedy, where she portrayed one of the most memorable mothers in film history.

Oh my gosh, seeing her back with the whole family from *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* in 2016 was amazing, but then she did it *again* in 2023! It’s just… incredible. This time, her character is dealing with dementia, which is so heartbreaking but she portrays it with such grace. I honestly can’t get enough!

Kazan lives a quieter life these days, and largely keeps out of the spotlight. 

In 2017, she was arrested for stealing from a Gelson’s grocery store in Los Angeles, but she received a citation and was allowed to leave.

Read More

2025-09-22 22:33