Anna Panagiotopoulou was a Greek actress, screenwriter and playwright; She participated in numerous television programs, film and theatre performances.
Antonis Kanakis, also known as Antonios Doumas, is a Greek television host and actor born in Thessaloniki on February 18, 1969. He began his career early, working as a DJ at age 15 and on pirate radio stations from the age of 12. Around that time, he chose the surname Kanakis. During his youth, he also held jobs such as selling snacks at a cinema and working as a waiter. He has worked extensively in Athens, building a career that spans radio and television. Kanakis’s professional journey includes significant roles in various media outlets. He previously worked for Kiss FM Thessaloniki, ET3 channel, Star Channel, and the Municipal Radio of Thessaloniki, where he served as director and creator of FM 101. He was a principal participant in the satirical TV program A.M.A.N ta Katharmata alongside Sotiris Kalivatsis and Giannis Servetas. Currently, he is the key host of the parody show Radio Arvyla , which premiered on ANT1 on April 14, 2008, and has since moved to Skai (2019), YouTube (2020), and Open TV (2021). He is also a producer, director, and presenter of shows like Komfouzio and AMAN . Antonis Kanakis is an entrepreneur as well, owning radio stations Imagine 89.7 since 2007 (formerly Studio 5), FLY 104 since 2016, and Paidaki 97.5 since 2023 (formerly Easy FM and ANT1 Radio Thessaloniki). He has also collaborated with ActionAid, directing and presenting documentaries in Sierra Leone. In 2015, he published his first book, Μπαμπά... (mia kanoniki imera) , following his father's death. As a popular Greek comedian, he is known for satirical commentary, including a skit posted online mocking Kimberly Guilfoyle’s fashion choices, which involved him wearing a black wig, a shimmering silver dress, and a pink feather boa. Radio Arvyla frequently provides political commentary on Greek sociopolitical issues, satirizing figures like Nikos Konstantinides and using segments like Stathis Panagiotopoulos telling jokes.
Dionysis Papagiannopoulos, born on July 12, 1912, in Diakopto, Achaea, was a beloved Greek actor. Throughout his career, he appeared in theatre, film, and television, becoming one of the most prominent figures in Greek comedy while also distinguishing himself in dramatic roles. His versatility made him a treasured figure in Greek cinema and theater. Papagiannopoulos’s formal training began at the Drama School of the National Theatre of Greece, where he studied. He made his stage debut in 1938 as the Knight in Shakespeare's King Lear , and later portrayed the Grave Digger in Hamlet . He remained with the National Theatre until 1941, performing with many major theatre companies over a span of 46 years. During World War II, he served in the Greek armed forces, with notable action on the Albanian front as a second lieutenant. His early film work included Children of Athens in 1947 and he appeared in over 133 films throughout his career, including A Knight for Vasilia , The Villa of Orgies , Kyri-Giorgis is Trained , and Fouskothalassies . He portrayed General Solon Karaleon in Dimitris Psathas’ Fonazei o Kleftis , Theodoros Kolokotronis, Eleftherios Venizelos, and Karagiozis in To Megalo mas Tsirko , and appeared in Theo Angelopoulos' Voyage to Cythera . Giorgis in the television show Louna Park , where he portrayed Barba-Giorgis, which established him in popular consciousness. He also appeared in Gorgones kai magkes , filmed on the island of Hydra, alongside Martha Karagianni and Mary Hronopoulou. He received several awards for his work, including an acting award for 'The Cannon and the Nightingale'. A statue was erected in his memory in Diakopto, placed on the beach near the start of the Diakofto-Kalavryta rack railway. He performed many charitable acts, primarily in the area where he was born.
Eleni Randou, a Greek, is professionally involved in acting, screenwriting and production, covering theater, television and cinema.
Giannis Bezos, born on September 10, 1956, in Athens, is a Greek actor, director, and singer. He grew up in the Filopappou area of Athens and his family originates from Kerastari, Arcadia. Having been recognized as a leading Greek actor of his time, he received his early education at the First Gymnasium in Athens and then pursued theatrical training at the Dimitris Konstantinidis Theatre Workshop, culminating in his graduation in 1978. Early in his career, he collaborated with Aliki Vougiouklaki on stage, and director Thymios Karakatsanis discovered him during a theatrical performance at the Smaroula Theatre. He also served a 28-month military service as a reserve lieutenant in the Artillery. Bezos’s career spans decades, encompassing television, film, theatre, and music. He gained significant recognition through his roles in various popular television series, including Oi Aparadektoi (1991–1993), Tis Ellados ta Paidia (1993–1995), Ekeines ki ego (1996–1998), Flower-spread Life (1998–1999), Akros oikogeneiakon (2001–2003), and Eftyhismenoi Mazi (2007–2010). He has appeared in five feature films and lent his voice to the character of Manny in the Ice Age film series. He took on a starring role in a Greek adaptation of La Cage aux Folles at the Palladium Theatre in March 2009; subsequently, he directed a rendition of Molière's The Imaginary Invalid at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, portraying the role of Argan. He has frequently collaborated with director Andreas Morfonios. Beyond acting, Bezos has explored other creative avenues. He has recorded vocals for albums by Giorgos Hatzinasios, Notis Mavroudis, and Thanos Mikroutsikos, demonstrating his singing talent. He hosted the arts documentary series Milontas gia theatro on ERT2 starting in April 2016. Currently, he is slated to star in the new comedy series Super Heroes on ANT1, which he has stated will be his last television role. The series, conceived by Nikos Papadopoulos and Antonis Boubas, depicts daily life in a Greek supermarket. He often describes himself as being 'elsewhere' and embraces this persona.
THE Dangerous Ghika is a Greek actor, voice actor, director and theatre teacher, with a long presence on TV, theatre and What? If you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. A graduate of the National Theatre Drama School, he has participated in many theatre performances, television series and film productions. He became particularly known to the Greek public through Animation compilation , having lent his voice to popular characters like Sam from Looney Tunes , Lion-O from The Thundercats And Winnie the Bear. He has participated in more than 15 animated films and directed over 30 compilation productions. At the same time, he has presented television shows, directed theatre performances and collaborated with important Greek theatre and television organizations. Since 2017 it operates through Open Theater Art and of the Open Studio Post compilation studio, while also teaching the art of compilation to young actors and musicians.
Harry Klynn was a Greek comedian, satirical actor and politician. Notable as one of the founders of modern Greek satire, he is considered one of its main representatives.
Tzimis Panousis, as a Greek musician, songwriter, performer, satirical comedian, radio producer and actor, had a significant presence on the Greek scene. He gained fame thanks to his satirical approach and his caustic, original lyrics, which target both the political and social reality of Greece and the general nature of the human psyche.
Pavlos Chaikalis, also known as Pavlos Haikalis, is a Greek actor and politician born on October 30, 1959, in Katakolo, Elis. He spent his childhood and attended school in Patras after his family moved there. His father, Giorgos Haikalis, died when he was ten years old, contributing to a difficult childhood marked by financial struggles. Prior to pursuing acting, he worked various jobs including waiter, laborer, warehouseman, newsstand kioskman, and briefly as a private investigator. He has been married three times: to Evdokia Pentzaki (with whom he had a son Giorgos Haikalis), Margarita Soldatou, and Maria Lykou, divorcing the latter in 2019. Chaikalis’s interest in acting was encouraged by Ilias Logothetis, leading him to study at Athens's Drama School Giorgos Theodosiadis. He graduated in 1983. His career began with bit parts and early roles included appearances in ‘Loxandra’ and ‘Methysmeni Politeia’. He served in the military with the armored forces on the borders of Greece. He has appeared in numerous Greek television productions from the early 1980s until today, including Androklis and his lions (1985), Fifty Fifty (2005-2007, 2010-2011), and The Block of Flats (2008-2011). He also worked as a voice actor in the puppetry series Froutopia (1985-1988) and starred in films such as Safe Sex (1999) and The Limousine (2013), with a scene from Safe Sex later resurfacing during allegations of sexual harassment. He is known for his comedic talent and ability to transform into different characters. Chaikalis entered politics in 1993 as a candidate for Political Spring and was elected as a Member of Parliament with the Independent Greeks in May 2012, receiving 18,533 votes. He renewed his term in June 2012 and served as Deputy Minister for Labour and Social Solidarity from July 18 to August 28, 2015. He later announced he would lead the ‘Attiki – Symmetochoi sto Avrio’ coalition in the regional elections for Attica. In February 2021, he was accused of sexual harassment by four women, leading to his removal from the Hellenic Actors' Union registry in April 2022. He has permanently retired from the theater and currently lives in Katakolo, Ilia, where he studies astrology, describing it as ‘art and science’. Currently, he is starring in a new theatrical production called 'One Baby for Three,' playing the role of Michael.
Sappho Notara, born Sappho Hadanou, was a Greek actress who stood out in her secondary interpretations . In Greek cinema he appeared mainly in comedy films, often incarnate Aunt or The The A housewife. Keep the radio show "Mrs. Sunday". One from What? Her last theatrical appearances occurred in the play "Pornography" (1981).
Sotiris Moustakas, a Greek Cypriot actor, was considered one of the leading comedians on the Greek stage; his contribution to the Greek theater brought him awards, and he remained active in the profession until the end of his life.
Thanasis Vengos, a Greek comedian, actor, director, film producer and entrepreneur, founded the production company THB Laughter Films.
Albania
1
Armenia
1
Argentina
24
Austria
28
Australia
22
Azerbaijan
1
Belgium
13
Bulgaria
31
Benin
2
Bolivia
1
Brazil
12
Canada
48
Switzerland
17
Chile
8
Cameroon
1
China
7
Colombia
2
Czech Republic
7
Germany
188
Denmark
17
Dominican Republic
1
Algeria
2
Estonia
5
Egypt
4
Spain
74
Finland
15
France
211
United Kingdom
148
Ghana
3
Guatemala
1
Hungary
7
Indonesia
8
Ireland
20
Israel
9
India
11
Iraq
3
Iran
6
Italy
136
Jamaica
1
Japan
35
Kenya
3
Korea, South
20
Kazakhstan
1
Lebanon
5
Latvia
1
Morocco
17
Myanmar
1
Malta
1
Malawi
2
Mexico
28
Malaysia
7
Nigeria
19
Nicaragua
2
Netherlands
2
Norway
12
Nepal
3
New Zealand
9
Peru
2
Philippines
35
Pakistan
7
Poland
8
Portugal
7
Qatar
1
Romania
1
Serbia
3
Russia
9
Saudi Arabia
4
Sweden
101
Slovenia
4
Slovakia
2
Thailand
2
Tunisia
4
Turkey
5
Taiwan
1
Ukraine
1
Uganda
7
United States
213
Uruguay
1
Uzbekistan
1
Vietnam
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South Africa
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Greece has a lively comedy scene that brings together stand-up comedy, television, theatre, film, radio and online entertainment. Greek comedians often draw inspiration from everyday life, relationships, family, work and Greek culture, with styles ranging from observational humor and storytelling to satire and character comedy.
Athens is an important center for live comedy in Greece, with comedy clubs, theatres and cultural venues hosting performances throughout the year. Comedy can also be found in cities and communities across the country, while television and digital platforms have helped Greek comedians reach much wider audiences.
Greece has produced many comedians and entertainers who have become recognized through stand-up, television, theatre and other forms of entertainment. Notable names associated with Greek comedy include Lakis Lazopoulos, Harry Klynn, George Kapoutzidis, Zisis Roumpas, Kostas Mallias, Stelios Anemodouras, Katerina Vranaki and Dionysis Atzarakis.
Greek comedy includes performers from different generations and backgrounds. Some have built their careers primarily through live stand-up, while others are known for television programs, films, theatre productions, comedy writing or online content.
A younger generation of Greek comedians has also embraced YouTube, podcasts, social media and streaming platforms, creating new ways to reach audiences and develop comedy outside traditional media.
Greek stand-up comedy has become an established part of the country's modern entertainment scene. Comedians perform in dedicated comedy clubs, theatres, festivals and touring productions, with Athens providing a particularly active environment for live performances.
Greek stand-up frequently explores relationships, family, work, dating, social habits and everyday situations. Local expressions, cultural references and observations about life in Greece can give performances a distinctly Greek character, while many of the subjects are familiar to audiences everywhere.
The Greek comedy scene also includes performers experimenting with different formats, including storytelling, musical comedy, improvisation and satirical performances.
Comedy in Greece extends beyond stand-up. Television has traditionally provided a major platform for sketch comedy, sitcoms, satirical programs and comedy characters, while theatre and film have introduced Greek comedians to wider audiences.
Digital media has created another important outlet. YouTube channels, podcasts and social media allow comedians to publish clips, interviews and longer performances directly to their audiences. This has helped both established performers and newcomers build followings outside traditional television and theatre.
Whether you're looking for Greek stand-up comedians, established comedy personalities or emerging performers, Greece has a varied comedy scene with plenty of different styles to discover.
Browse GiggleTime to discover comedians from Greece, learn more about individual performers and explore Greek comedy alongside comedians from countries around the world.
