Kostas Hatzichristos facts for kids

Kostas Hatzichristos (also spelled Costas Hajihristos) was a very famous Greek actor. He was also a director, writer, and producer for both films and theatre. He was born in 1921 and passed away on October 3, 2001. He was known for his funny roles and for creating memorable characters.

The Early Life of Kostas Hatzichristos

Kostas Hatzichristos was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. He grew up in a very large family, being the eleventh of thirteen children! His parents originally came from Constantinople (which is now Istanbul). They moved around a bit, first to Kavala, then to Thessaloniki, and later to Pagkrati, a suburb of Athens.

His Education and First Steps in Acting

Young Kostas first studied at the Sergeants Major Military School in Syros. He finished his studies in Kavala. After his schooling, he started his career in entertainment. He worked in a variety theatre called Missouri in Piraeus. He also joined the Nitsa Gaitanaki company, where he performed in a play called The Grouch by Dimitris Psathas.

From 1945 to 1948, Kostas worked with an operetta company. He also appeared in other variety shows. In 1949 and 1950, he joined Koula Nikolaidou's musical group at the Verdun theatre in Athens.

Becoming a Star: Theatre and Film

At the Verdun theatre, Kostas Hatzichristos played a villager character named Thymios. This role became very popular and helped him become well-known. The character was inspired by Kostas Nikolaidis, who was his wife Mary Nikolaidou's brother.

His First Movies and Own Theatre

Kostas Hatzichristos first appeared on the big screen in 1952. This was in a movie called The Knights' Castle. Around the same time, he started his own theatre group in 1952, which was very successful.

In 1960, he became a theatre owner and opened his own place, the Hatzichristos Theatre. It opened on February 18, 1960. Later, it was renamed the Theatre Orfeas. This theatre was located on Panepistimiou Street in the Akadimia area of Athens.

Famous Film Roles

Some of his biggest successes in movies include What a Mess (1963) and Τhe Man Who Returned from the Plates (1969). In these films, he starred alongside other famous actors like Anna Fonsou and Dionysis Papagiannopoulos. Besides acting, Kostas Hatzichristos also produced three films and directed eight.

His work in theatre continued until 1983. After some time away, he returned to the stage in 1994-1995, performing again at the Hatzichristos Theatre.

Personal Life and Later Years

Kostas Hatzichristos was engaged to actress Ntina Trianti, and they appeared in several movies together. He was married five times. His first marriage was during the Axis occupation of Greece to a woman named Nitsa. Later, in 1949, he married Mary Nikolaidou, and they had a daughter named Teta Hatzichristou. Teta later married actor Petros Fyssoun, and they had a daughter, actress Ania Fyssoum.

In 1955, he married actress Ketty Diridaoua. They divorced in 1975 and had a daughter named Marialena Hatzichristou. His third wife was Eleni Pantazi, whose passing at a young age was a difficult time for him. His last wife was Voula Arvanitaki-Hatzichristou.

His Final Years

Kostas Hatzichristos faced financial difficulties later in his life. He passed away from cancer on October 3, 2001, at the age of 80. He was buried at public expense at the First Cemetery of Athens on October 5, 2001.

Filmography

Selected Theatrical Plays