Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis, best known for her work in movies like Moonstruck and Steel Magnolias, passed away on Saturday at the age of 89. In the wake of her death, former costars of hers including Dolly Parton and Cher spoke out to pay tribute to her.
Try to name a moment in a film that’s funnier than this moment. You can’t. You just can’t. RIP Olympia Dukakis. You were perfection.❤️ pic.twitter.com/x5aGeisj4H
— Matt Steele (@ItsMattSteele) May 1, 2021
Dukakis Passes Away
Olympia Dukakis’ death was announced on Facebook by her brother Apollo.
“My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City,” he wrote alongside a photo her. “After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her Louis.”
My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City.
After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her Louis.
Posted by Apollo Dukakis on Saturday, May 1, 2021
Allison Levy, Dukakis’ rep., also confirmed her death in a statement to Entertainment Tonight.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Olympia Dukakis,” she said. “After months of failing health, Olympia Dukakis passed away this morning, May 1st, at her home in New York City, with her daughter Christina Zorich by her side.”
“Olympia was married to actor Louis Zorich, who passed away in 2018,” Levy added. “Her brother Apollo Dukakis, her sons Stefan and Peter Zorich, and four grandchildren thank you for your love, prayers, and kind remembrances during this difficult time.”
Dolly Parton Pays Tribute To Dukakis
Parton, who starred with Dukakis in the 1989 classic Steel Magnolias, remembered the late actress in a a statement released to Today.
“I was so sorry to hear that Olympia Dukakis had passed away,” Parton said. “She has been one of my favorite people that I have ever known or worked with. I really got very close to her and felt like we were good friends.”
“Even though I didn’t get to see her much, I thought of her often and knew that she was such a quality human being,” she added. “She will be missed by her fans, her family, and those of us that were lucky enough to get to know her personally.”
“Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me” An icon. RIP Olympia Dukakis pic.twitter.com/pv9NMZlzUm
— James Longman (@JamesAALongman) May 1, 2021
Related: Dolly Parton Teams Up With Rory Feek For Ultimate Tribute Song For His Beloved Wife
Parton and Dukakis’ Steel Magnolias costar Sally Field also honored Dukakis, telling Entertainment Tonight, “What can I say but I loved her? Everyone loved her. She was a gift..unique and talented and one of a kind. Rest in peace my friend Olympia.”
Cher Honors Her Co-Star
Cher, who starred with Dukakis in the 1988 movie Moonstruck, paid tribute to her as well.
“Olympia Dukakis Was an Amazing, Academy Award Winning Actress,” Cher wrote on Twitter. “Olympia Played My Mom In Moonstruck,& Even Though Her Part was That Of a Suffering Wife, We [laughed] ALL The Time. She Would Tell Me How MUCH She Loved Louis,Her ‘Handsome Talented,Husband.’ I Talked To Her 3 Wks Ago. Rip Dear One.”
Related: Cher Volunteers To Deliver Mail – USPS Shuts Her Down
Olympia Dukakis Was an Amazing,Academy Award Winning Actress.Olympia Played My Mom In Moonstruck,& Even Though Her Part was
That Of a Suffering Wife, We😂ALL The Time.She Would Tell Me How MUCH She Loved Louis,Her”Handsome Talented,Husband”.I Talked To Her 3Wks Ago. Rip Dear One pic.twitter.com/RcCZaeKFmz— Cher (@cher) May 1, 2021
Cher later took to Twitter again to recall the last conversation she had with Dukakis.
Wrote This Hrs Ago,But Didn’t hit Twt😔.Heard Olympia Was Sick So Called Her Daughter & Said Could I Talk 2 Her.She Said
“She might Not HEAR or SPEAK”.I Called In2 The Receiver”Olympia It’s Cher,I ❤️You”.Remember Moonstruck,She Said
“oh cher,I❣️you”She Was Weak But Happy. RIP O— Cher (@cher) May 1, 2021
John Stamos shared his condolences with this image on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
Rest in peace, Olympia Dukakis.
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