Biography

Gia Carides: Veteran Hollywood actress famous for reprising diverse roles on-screen

Gia Carides: Veteran Hollywood actress famous for reprising diverse roles on-screen

Gia Carides is a veteran in show business whose work on the big screen has made her a celebrated figure in both film and television. With a career spanning over four decades, Carides shows no signs of stopping soon as she still has a plethora of projects on hand.

Known for her role in the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” sequels, Carides has also gained recognition and an award for her prowess in the business.

Gia Carides biography

Gia Carides smiling

Gia Carides is an Australian actress best known for her roles in various film and television productions. She was born on June 7, 1964, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Though she was born in Australia, the actress is of Greek and English descent.

She grew up alongside her sisters – Zoe Carides, who also pursued a career in acting, and Danielle Carides, a singer-songwriter. From a young age, Carides exhibited a natural talent for performing and embarked on her acting journey at the age of 12.

Carides honed her acting skills through practical experience and immersion in the performing arts.

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Gia Carides career

Carides has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment industry, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility across a wide range of roles in both film and television. Beginning her acting journey at a young age, she quickly rose to prominence with standout performances that captivated audiences and critics alike.

Early in her career, Carides gained recognition for her role as Helena Angelopolous in the acclaimed Australian television series “Police Rescue”. Her portrayal in this iconic show laid the foundation for a successful career in the entertainment world.

Carides’s breakthrough came with her memorable roles in acclaimed films, such as “Strictly Ballroom” and “Brilliant Lie“, which earned her critical acclaim and prestigious Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award nominations. These early successes solidified her reputation as a talented actress with a unique ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters.

Transitioning to Hollywood, Carides made a significant impact with her roles in prominent productions such as “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” and the beloved comedy “My Big Fat Greek Wedding“. Her performances in these films showcased her versatility and endeared her to audiences around the world.

Throughout her career, Carides has continued to take on diverse and challenging roles, demonstrating her range as an actress. From dramas to comedies, she has consistently delivered compelling performances that resonate with viewers.

In addition to her work on the big screen, Carides has made notable appearances on television, including guest spots on popular series such as “Without a Trace”. Her ability to captivate audiences on both the small and big screens highlights her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.

Gia Carides movies

Gia Carides in a movie

The talented actress has appeared in countless films and television shows throughout her lengthy career.

Here are some of the films and TV shows she has appeared in over the years, according to Wikipedia:

FILMS

  • 1977: The Love Letters from Teralba Road as Maureen (Short film)
  • 1978: A Mill of Hooks
  • 1981: Winter of Our Dreams
  • 1981: The Counterforce (Short Film)
  • 1981: To Play Insane (Short Film)
  • 1982: Gospel Galoshes (Short Film)
  • 1982: Mind Over Matter (Short Film)
  • 1982: Midnite Spares as Ruth Mintos (Feature film)
  • 1983: Phar Lap as Emma Woodcock (credited as Georgia Carr) (Feature film)
  • 1983: Dinner with Patrick (Short film)
  • 1984: Annie’s Coming Out as Narrator (Feature film)
  • 1985: A Decade of Women (Short film)
  • 1985: The Coca-Cola Kid (Feature film)
  • 1985: Bliss as Lucy Joy (Feature film)
  • 1986: Backlash as Nikki Iceton (Feature film)
  • 1989: The Third Wave (Short Film)
  • 1992: Greenkeeping as Gina (Feature film)
  • 1992: Strictly Ballroom as Liz Holt (Feature film)
  • 1992: Daydream Believer (aka The Girl Who Came Late) as Wendy (Feature film)
  • 1993: For Whose Sake (Short film)
  • 1994: Lucky Break aka Paperback Romance, as Sophie (Feature film)
  • 1995: Bad Company as Julie Ames (Feature film)
  • 1996: The Cottonwood as Kathy (Feature film)
  • 1996: Two If by Sea as Joan Rappaport (uncredited) (Feature film)
  • 1996: Brilliant Lies as Susy Connor (Feature film)
  • 1997: Lifebreath as Gale Pullman (Feature film)
  • 1998: Primary Colors as Cashmere McLeod (Feature film)
  • 1998: Letters from a Killer as Lita (Feature film)
  • 1999: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me as Robin Swallows (Feature film)
  • 2000: The Extreme Adventures of Super Dave  as Sandy
  • 2000: Maze as Julianne (Feature film)
  • 2001: Jack the Dog as Georgia (Feature film)
  • 2002: My Big Fat Greek Wedding as Cousin Nikki (Feature film)
  • 2003: Exposed as Jade Blake (Feature film)
  • 2005: One Last Thing… as Madelene (Feature film)
  • 2006: Thank Heaven as Cybil (Feature film)
  • 2006: Stick It as Alice Graham (Feature film)
  • 2007: The Trap as Clara (Film short)
  • 2009: Year One as Queen (Feature film)
  • 2011: In Loco Parentis as Mum (Film short)
  • 2011: Burning Man  as Carol (Feature film)
  • 2015: This Isn’t Funny as Gillian Jones (Feature film)
  • 2016: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 as Cousin Nikki (Feature film)
  • 2016: Joe Cinque’s Consolation as Maria Cinque (Feature film)
  • 2018: We Only Know So Much as Trudy (Feature film)
  • 2023: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 as Cousin Nikki (Feature film)

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TELEVISION:

  • 1978: The Restless Years (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1980: Drink Drive as Herself (Film documentary)
  • 1980: Smoking as Herself (Film documentary)
  • 1983: A Country Practice as Tracy Power (TV series), 2 episodes
  • 1985: Five Mile Creek as  Beth (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1986: Studio 86 (TV series)  2 episodes: 
  • 1988 Willesee’s Australians as Winnie O’Sullivan (TV film series), 1 episode
  • 1989: Inside Running (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1990: Rafferty’s Rules Sally (TV series) 1 episode
  • 1991: Boys from the Bush as Maria (TV series)
  • 1991: Acropolis Now as Haroula (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1992: The Resting Place as Sally (TV film short)
  • 1992: In Sydney Today as Guest (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1992: Ultraman: Towards the Future as Jean Echo (TV series), 13 episodes
  • 1992–93 Police Rescue as Helena Angelopoulos (TV series), 7 episodes
  • 1992: The 1992 Australian Film Institute Awards as Herself – Winner (TV Special)
  • 1993: Seven Deadly Sins (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1994: Good Morning Australia as Guest (TV series)
  • 1994: At Home as Guest (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1994: Ernie and Denise as Guest (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1994: Real Life as Guest (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1995: The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space as Vesper, Vox’s High Priestess (TV movie)
  • 1996: The 1996 Australian Film Institute Awards as Herself – Nominee (TV Special)
  • 1997: ER as Suzanne Alner (TV series), 1 episode
  • 1997: Firehouse as Charlotte Brooks (TV movie)
  • 1997: The Devil’s Child as Eva (TV movie)
  • 1999: A Secret Affair Mimi (TV movie)
  • 2002: The Dragon Chronicles (TV series)
  • 2003: My Big Fat Greek Life as Nikki – 7 episodes
  • 2003: Gladius as Additional Voices (Video game)
  • 2005: Without a Trace  as Stephanie Patterson (TV series), 1 episode
  • 2006: David Tench Tonight as Guest (TV series), 1 episode
  • 2008–09: East of Everything as Melanie Freedman (TV series), 10 episodes
  • 2009: Australia Unites: The Victorian Bushfire Appeal as Herself (with Anthony LaPaglia) (TV Special)
  • 2009: Inside Film Awards as Herself (TV Special)
  • 2011: Small Time Gangster Darlene (TV series), 8 episodes
  • 2012: Today Extra as Herself (with Strictly Ballroom cast) (TV series), 1 episode
  • 2017; 2019: Big Little Lies as Melissa (TV series), 9 episodes
  • 2017: Twin Peaks as Hannah (TV series), 1 episode
  • 2017: The Librarians as Lenore Jones (TV series), 1 episode
  • 2018: LAGFF Orpheus Awards 2018 as Presenter (TV Special)
  • 2020: Filthy Rich as Veronica (TV series), 6 episodes
  • 2022: 7 News Spotlight: Strictly Ballroom as Herself (with Strictly Ballroom cast) (TV series), 1 episode

Gia Carides’ net worth

Several online sources have revealed that the veteran actress is reportedly worth $3 million. She earns a living from her work on the big screen as an actress, director and producer.

Gia Carides family

Gia Carides with her husband

Carides is part of a talented family, with her sister Zoe Carides also being an actress and her other sister Danielle Carides being a singer-songwriter. Gia Carides began her acting career at a young age, showing early promise and dedication to her craft.

In terms of her personal life, Carides was married to actor Anthony LaPaglia, whom she met in Sydney in 1992. Their union lasted for 17 years and they share a daughter named Bridget, born in January 2003. However, the couple eventually parted ways in June 2016.

Gia Carides age

Carides is currently 59 years old and will turn 60 in 2024.

Gia Carides now

Gia Carides on the red carpet

Gia Carides is currently still very active in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility and talent across various projects. In recent times, she has been involved in several productions. Among her upcoming works is the TV series “Austin”, where she portrays the character Mel Hogan. The series is scheduled for release in 2024.

Additionally, she has completed work on the TV series “The Elevator”, in which she took on the role of Betty. 

Furthermore, Carides is involved in the post-production phase of the short film “Killing Chuck”, in which she is featured as the character Tracy. 

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