Greece is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and recognisable actors. Nikos Galanos, a familiar face to generations of audiences from the golden era of Greek cinema to contemporary television, has passed away at the age of 80, following a year-long battle with cancer.

Known for his expressive dark eyes, elegant charm, and enduring screen presence, Galanos first rose to prominence at the tail end of the golden age of Greek cinema. He made his film debut in 1970 alongside superstar Aliki Vougiouklaki in A Funny Girl, and the pair reunited as co-stars two years later in Aliki Diktator.

Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Galanos worked with many leading figures of Greek film and theatre, including Nikos Kourkoulos (Zero Visibility, Straphogianno), Betty Livanou (The Sin of Beauty), and Rena Vlahopoulou (Rena is Off-Side). With his classic good looks and undeniable talent, he quickly established himself as a romantic lead and versatile performer.

Alongside his film career, Galanos was deeply involved in the theatre world. He received his theatrical debut under the guidance of Jenny Karezi and Kostas Kazakos in The Lady Doesn’t Care (1972), continuing with A Story from Irkutsk the following year. In 1972–1973, he performed with the celebrated Vougiouklaki–Papamichail troupe in Bones and Clubs. He later appeared at the National Theatre of Greece in Play Strindberg, showing his depth as a dramatic actor.

Yet it was television that gave Galanos his most lasting and widespread reach. His small-screen debut came in 1974 with the police-judicial series The Just. In 1976, he starred in Journey on YENED, a 12-episode anthology series, and went on to feature in dozens of popular television dramas over the next five decades.

His extensive television credits include hits such as Love and Revolution, The Battle of the Storks, The Guardians of Achaia, Marina Avgeri, The Net, Immortal Love Stories, Pygmalion, Manto Mavrogenous, The Sacred Thieves, Café Eimigrek, The Vendetta, Eastern Wind, Eliza and Others, The Wrath of the Gods, The Shine, Under the Acropolis, Forbidden Love, The Olive Tree, and many more.

Nikos Galanos leaves behind a legacy of over 50 years of continuous presence in Greek arts and entertainment. His contribution to modern Greek culture, both through his roles and his collaborations with other greats of stage and screen, has left an indelible mark.

He will be remembered not only for his talent but for his dedication to his craft and the connection he fostered with audiences over decades.