Everyone, gather ’round. Get yourself a shot of ouzo and let me tell you about the lump on the back of my neck because TODAY marks 20 years since the most important film of all time, My Big Fat Greek Wedding , was released. Not only did this film bring Greek heritage to the forefront, but it made many people with overbearing families feel seen.
Oh, and it features John Corbett in his prime .
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The best thing about “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is that you don’t need to be a Greek, or marry a Greek, to understand its comedy.
As a second-generation Greek-Canadian myself, my family looked to this film to explain everything about our heritage to our Canadian friends.
Growing up, I was always asked if my Yiayia and Pappou used Windex on everything, or if we really roasted entire lambs on our own front lawn.
Nia Vardalos was our Greek-Canadian hero. She was the woman who wrote this hilarious story that moved THE Rita Wilson to produce it and get hubby Tom Hanks on board.
In celebration of the film’s 20th birthday, Nia shared a sentimental tweet sharing just exactly how the film came to be.
After being rejected by managers and agents, she turned the script into a one-woman show that caught the attention of Ms. Wilson.
“Some people who don’t create anything including jobs to make situations better, will tell you that what you do is wrong,” she tweeted to fans.
“You can’t make anyone embrace change, marginalized voices or new ideas. So love yourself. And write your story.”
WE LOVE YOU, MBFGW !
