Nikos Xanthopoulos facts for kids

Nikos Xanthopoulos (Nίκος Ξανθόπουλος; 14 March 1934 – 22 January 2023) was a famous Greek actor and singer. He was very well-known for his roles in Greek movies during the 1960s, especially in emotional dramas. He was also a talented singer of Greek folk music, releasing many albums and songs.

People called him "the child of the folk" because he often played characters from working-class families. He usually acted as a poor man who faced many challenges, trying to find justice or fighting against rich and unfair people. Sometimes, he played an immigrant working hard in Germany to support his family. Other times, he was a poor bouzouki player and singer who worked his way to becoming a star. These roles made him a huge star in Greece from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, even during a time when Greece was ruled by a military government.

About Nikos Xanthopoulos

Nikos Xanthopoulos was born in Athens, Greece, in 1934. He started his acting career on stage in 1957. By 1963, he decided to focus only on movies. His first movie role was a small part in My Life Starts With You in 1958.

In 1964, he began working with director and producer Apostolos Tegopoulos and a film company called KLAK Film. This was a very successful time for him, lasting until 1971. Because he often played singers and bouzouki players in his movies, he had to learn how to sing. A famous Greek musician named Apostolos Kaldaras taught him. Nikos Xanthopoulos sang over 300 songs in thirty different movies. He also recorded nine music albums and 55 singles outside of his films.

His Movie Success

Most of Nikos Xanthopoulos's biggest hits were made by KLAK Film. This company was known for making Greek drama films, which were often very emotional and sometimes called "melodramas." Some of his popular movie titles included Mother, why did you give birth to me? and I am a miserable girl. These types of movies were very popular with audiences at the time.

Working with Other Actors

Nikos Xanthopoulos worked with many young actresses during his career. One of his most frequent co-stars was Martha Vourtsi. They became a popular acting pair, starring in seven films together. Their most famous movie was Contempt me, my dear. He also acted alongside other talented actresses like Angela Zilia, Afroditi Grigoriadou, Kakia Analyti, Katerina Vasilakou, Mairoula Evangelou, Dora Sitzani, and Kaiti Papanika.

Notable Films

Nikos Xanthopoulos starred in 48 movies between 1958 and 1971. Some of his most well-known films include:

• Adiki Katara (Unjust Curse)
• Kapote Klaine Kai Oi Dynatoi (Even the Strong Cry Sometimes)
• I Kardia Enos Aliti (The Heart of a Tramp)
• O Katatregmenos (The Persecuted)
• I Odysseia Enos Xerizomenou (The Odyssey of an Uprooted Man)
• Sklavoi Tis Moiras (Slaves of Fate)
• Tapeinos Kai Katafronemenos (Humble and Despised)
• Ftohogeitonia Agapi Mou (My Poor Neighborhood, My Love)
• Perifrona me Glykeia Mou (Contempt Me, My Dear)