Bess Meisler

About

An actor who would not launch her career until the 1980s. During that time, she mainly focused on theater roles and occasional television appearances. Her big break would not come until 2002 with the smash hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding. In the raucous romantic comedy, she played the confused, elderly yet spry grandmother of the main character, played by Nia Vardalos. Her physical comedy in the role was so impressive that she was cast in minor roles, including on the popular television show Malcolm in the Middle, as well as the quirky, under-appreciated HBO comedy The Comeback starring Lisa Kudrow. 

Before fame

She started her screen career in 1987 at the age of 65, which is impressive in an industry that rarely acknowledges the talents of women at such an advanced age. Her first role was on the 1987 television show Hunter, where she played Mrs. Patelli.  

Trivia

Her first acting role was in the 1981 Broadway revival of the musical Fiddler on the Roof. She was a swing actor who would take on the roles of either Shandel, Goldie, or Yente as needed. She would quietly take a break from her career in 2006 but did return to the screen in 2016 to reprise her role in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding sequel.

Family life

She managed to keep her entire personal life private, and no details are available about her family or life.

Associated with

She has acted alongside people such as Shannon Doherty, Luke Perry, and Nia Vardalos.