Giannis Fertis, a Titan of Greek theatre and cinema dies at 86

At the age of 86, renowned actor Giannis Fertis passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spans ancient theatre, cinema, television, and music. He was known for his expressive voice, which he lent to numerous commercials. Personalities such as Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Tania Tsanaklidou, Mimis Denisi, and Marina Psalti profoundly influenced his life and career.

Born in April 1938, Giannis Fertis graduated from the Karolos Koun School of Drama in 1958. He made his theatrical debut in 1959 in Iakovos Kampanellis’ “Age of Night” and went on to perform in a variety of plays, including Aristophanes’ “Birds,” Jean Anouilh’s “Eurydice,” to name a few.

Fertis also co-founded the People’s Experimental Theater and directed notable productions such as Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” and Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother.”

In the late 1970s, Fertis starred in “Bridal Bed” alongside Aliki Vougiouklaki and in various productions with the Karezis-Kazakos troupe. In the 1980s, he continued to impress audiences with performances in Tennessee Williams’ “Sweet Bird of Youth” and Peter Shaffer’s “Black Comedy.” He also collaborated with Melina Mercouri in several productions, including Martin Sherman’s “Bent” and F. Lonstale’s “The End of Mrs. Cheyney.”

Fertis’ career extended into the 1990s, where he worked with director Yuri Lyubimov on productions such as Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull” and “The Cherry Orchard.” He received the Emilios Veakis Performance Award for his role in Brian Friel’s “Faith Healer” in 2000.

In 2003, Fertis achieved commercial and artistic success with Ronald Harwood’s “Taking Sides.”

He continued to be involved in the arts, participating in various performances and musical tributes until his passing.

In 2004, Giannis Fertis starred in Anton Chekhov’s “Three Sisters,” directed by Nikita Milivojevic, and in 2007, he took the lead in Joseph Conrad’s “Return,” where he was honoured for his performance with the Audience Theater Award. In 2008, he starred in Friedrich Durrenmatt’s “The Visit of the Old Lady,” and in 2009, he appeared in Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” at the Kefallinia Street Theater, directed by Stathis Livathinos.

In 2010, he performed in the award-winning play “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza, and from 2011 to 2013, he starred in Kampanellis’ “The Road Passes Inside.”

In 2012, he portrayed the Father in August Strindberg’s “Miss Julie.” From 2014 to 2015, he played Uncle Vanya in Anton Chekhov’s play of the same name. In 2016, he starred in Leonidas Prosalidis’ play “From Silence to Spring,” and from 2017 to 2018, he appeared in Gerard Sibleyras’ “Heroes,” directed by Nikita Milivojevic, where he was again honored for his performance with the 2018 Audience Theater Award. In 2019, he appeared in the award-winning work “Torres: A True Cowboy” by Marilia Samper.

Fertis made significant contributions to the Ancient Greek Theatre scene, Greek cinema (appearing in more than 30 films), and television (appearing in more than 15 series, with notable ones being “Teacher with the Golden Eyes” and “The Notary” in 1979) aside from being the voice of many television and radio commercials.

Fertis was also a singer, with his duet “When You Look at Me” with Aphrodite Manou in 1971 remaining unforgettable.

He participated in songs as a narrator as well, such as in the 1972 song “What to Remember, What to Forget” by George Dalaras, and in the songs “Song of the Old Days” and “Eleni” by Manolis Mitsias from the album “Argonauts.”

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Personalities such as Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Tania Tsanaklidou, Mimis Deneisis, and Marina Psalti profoundly influenced Giannis Fertis’ life.

His first wife was actress Xenia Kalogeropoulou, his second was actress Mimis Deneisis, and from 2001, he was engaged to actress Marina Psalti.

On the news of his passing, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni made the following statement:

“The loss of Giannis Fertis, who left us today, marks the end of an entire life dedicated to Art. A student of Karolos Koun, Giannis Fertis successfully tackled the greatest works of classical and contemporary repertoire, as well as ancient drama, giving us unique performances that will continue to be remembered in the history of theater as exemplary. Because he was an interpreter who fully utilised his solid training, his collaboration with top theater personalities, and, above all, his unique expressive means to rightfully emerge as one of the greatest actors of his generation. His stage presence, modest yet imposing, always set a benchmark. Who among those fortunate enough to see him on stage can truly forget how he combined his commanding voice with movement and expression, always approaching the text with reverence?

His selective passages through the big and small screen, as well as narration, complete the picture of a comprehensive performer who was fortunate enough to deserve, through his journey, his personality, and his unwavering dedication to Art, the respect of his compatriots, the admiration, and love of the audience.

We bid him farewell with gratitude for all that he offered us. To his wife Marina Psalti, with whom he shared his life and art, his family, and his friends, I extend my sincere condolences.”