Beloved Greek Film Comedian Thanassis Veggos Dies at 84

Tuesday, 3 May 2011

Greek comedian Thanassis Veggos, whose slapstick comedies made him one of the country's most beloved performers, has died after suffering a series of strokes.

He was 84 years old.

Many in Greece referred to Veggos as the “Greek Charlie Chaplin” because, like the legendary American comedian, Veggos portrayed the average everyman struggling to cope with life.

He played in more than 120 movies from the 1950s until just last year. Most of his films were known for outlandish slapstick, but he also appeared on the stage and on television in dramatic parts.

Greek President Karolos Papoulias calls Veggos' death a cause of national grief, saying his loss is irreplaceable and his films will entertain generations to come.