Greek Actor Nikos Galanos Passes Away at 80

The news in Greek

1. γνωστός
   Καταξιωμένος ή δημοφιλής, που τον ξέρει πολύς κόσμος. ↩︎
2. πεθαίνω
   Καταλήγω στη ζωή, παύω να ζω. ↩︎
3. ξεκινώ
   Αρχίζω κάτι, θέτω κάτι σε κίνηση. ↩︎
4. μάχη  (f.)
   Σύγκρουση ή αγώνας με κάποιον ή κάτι. ↩︎
5. καρκίνος  (m.)
   Σοβαρή ασθένεια που χαρακτηρίζεται από άναρχη και ανεξέλεγκτη ανάπτυξη κυττάρων. ↩︎
6. δωρεά  (f.)
   Παροχή αγαθών ή χρημάτων για κάποιο κοινωφελή σκοπό. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: In what year did Nikos Galanos start his career?

Question 2: What did people prefer instead of flowers for his funeral?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
γνωστός	well-known
πεθαίνω	die
ξεκινώ	start
μάχη  (f.)	battle
καρκίνος  (m.)	cancer
δωρεά  (f.)	donations

Read the full story

The Greek artistic community is mourning the loss of Nikos Galanos, an esteemed actor known for his extensive work in film, theatre, and television. Mr Galanos passed away on Monday, May 19, at the age of 80, after battling a chronic illness. His distinguished career spanned over several decades, making him a household name in Greece.

The funeral of Nikos Galanos is scheduled for today at noon at the Holy Church of Papagou Cemetery. His family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Parents’ Association of Children with Neoplastic Disease “Floga” to honour his memory.

Nikos Galanos, whose birth name was Nikos Soupionas, was born on December 20, 1945, and made his cinematic debut in 1962. He studied acting at the Kostis Michailidis Drama School and quickly became a prominent figure in Greek cinema with roles in notable films such as “The Cry” (1964) and “The Zero Visibility” (1970). He debuted on television in the series “The Fair Ones” in 1974 and continued to capture audiences with his performances in series like “The Olive Tree” in recent years.

Mr Galanos’ death has deeply affected the entertainment industry and his numerous admirers. Astrologer Vicky Pagiataki, a close friend of his for over four decades, expressed her sorrow and shared insights into his courageous battle with cancer. Galanos faced cancer twice; the first diagnosis occurred 15 years ago, discovered during a routine check-up. The second time, he received the diagnosis shortly before joining the cast of “The Olive Tree.” Despite his health struggles, he remained committed to his work until January 2025, when he was compelled to step down due to declining health.

In his final months, Nikos Galanos’ health deteriorated significantly. According to Pagiataki, his last few months were challenging, and his final days, particularly poignant. “He was always full of energy,” she remarked, detailing his last hospital visit where he left prematurely despite medical advice.

Galanos’ passing leaves a void in Greek cultural life, remembered fondly for his profound impact on Greek arts and his resilience. His legacy continues through his memorable performances and the many lives he touched throughout his illustrious career.

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