Kenneth John McGregor

Mr. McGregor’s many film credits include playing a sculptor in Cocktail, Magneto’s father in X- Men, and a detective in The Hurricane, alongside Denzel Washington.  Mr. McGregor also provided valuable assistance to Harvey Keitel in the Oscar-winning film, The Piano.  Though not of Greek-descent, Mr. McGregor’s passion for the Greek culture caught the attention of the director, Alysia Maltepes, at the audition when he danced to the music of Zorba the Greek.  Mr. McGregor’s commitment and passion for the Hellenic culture led him to be the face of the main character, Michael, in The Greek American.

Alex Vasiliadis

Greek actor, Alex Vasiliadis, studied acting in London for five years, and appeared in several television series for the BBC including, A History of Britain, and The Blood Vikings.  Mr. Vasiliadis other note-worthy performances include Comedy Central’s, Stella, the lead role of Dracula, in the Ritz Theater production of The Passion for Dracula, and Eudric in the stage-production of Silence.  Ms. Maltepes recognized the natural passion and intensity Mr. Vasiliadis inherently possessed when she cast him as Young Michael.  Ms. Maltepes could not imagine anyone but Mr. Vasiliadis portraying Young Michael due to the intense emotion-filled scenes in the beginning of the film.

Ryan Tygh

Mr. Ryan Tygh, a Philadelphia native, was a knockout as Christine’s jealous boyfriend in The Greek American.  Mr. Tygh fully immersed himself in the role of Tommy.  He physically trained for months before filming in order to grasp and understand the discipline and skill that boxing required.  They say that the eyes are the windows of the soul, and Mr. Tygh’s eyes had the intensity that Ms. Maltepes sought for the character.  Mr. Tygh’s portrayal of Tommy was so strong that as the film progressed he became the character that the audience loved to hate.  Mr. Tygh’s film credits include, In Her Shoes with Cameron Diaz, National Treasure with Nicholas cage, and A Beautiful Mind with Russell Crowe.

Mel Donaldson

Ms. Maltepes knew that her prayers had been answered when Mr. Donaldson brought energy, street knowledge, and attitude to the character of Rev.  Alysia was impressed because he brought her vision of the character to life.  Mr. Donaldson film credits include, Killing Emmet Young, Casanova’s Demise and has acted alongside Bruce Willis in 12 Monkeys.  Mr. Donaldson also comes to the cast with an extensive background in theater, as both an actor and producer of many theater productions across the country.

Andrea Langi

New Jersey’s own, Andrea Langi, instantly wooed Ms. Maltepes the moment she walked through the door.  Andrea’s electric blue eyes captured the attention of Ms. Maltepes before her energy, enthusiasm, and ability to take direction did.  Andrea’s Jersey attitude and karate kick over the head of her fellow actor gave her the edge she needed to play the role of Michael’s good-for-nothing, gold-digging girlfriend, Vanessa, in The Greek American.  Andrea’s many television appearances include Sex and the City, the reality show hit, For Love or Money, and The Jamie Kennedy Experiment.  Her impressive movie resume includes playing Taylor in Snake Eyes, and a note-worthy performance as Alyssa in the Oscar-nominated hit, The Wrestler, with Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei.

Joey Trantas

Joey Trantas’ natural comedic skills and comfort in front of the camera won him the part of Joey with no audition.  Joey a long-time friend of Ms. Maltepes, also starred in her short film DSS-1550.

Peter Patrikios

The name Peter Patrikios is synonymous with sheer talent.  Though Mr. Patrikios didn’t quite fit Ms. Maltepes’ vision for the character Spiro, his natural talent and improvisational skills won her over.  Mr. Patrikios has the “it” factor that many people strive for but few people possess.  According to Ms. Maltepes, Peter was intriguing and once he became Spiro the Greek-Philadelphian left Ms. Maltepes so impressed that she wanted more.  Peter’s other note-worthy film appearances include, My Super Ex-Girlfriend with Uma Thurman, Snake Eyes with Nicholas Cage, and most-recently Happy Tears with Demi Moore and Parker Posey.  Peter’s impressive television stints include, Hack, Law and Order, and Sex and the City.

Mike Jones

North American Champion, Mike Jones, exemplifies art-imitating life playing a boxer as well as Tommy’s friend in The Greek American.  Mr. Jones was one of many professional boxers used in the film.