Let me tell you something about Olympia Dukakis that you might not know. Sure, we all remember her as the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense widow in Steel Magnolias, but there's a whole lot more to her story. Growing up in Lowell, Massachusetts, Olympia faced challenges that would've broken many people, but instead, they only made her stronger.
A Childhood That Shaped Her Future
Olympia, now 89 years old, opened up exclusively to Closer magazine, currently available on newsstands, about the tough times she faced during her childhood. "Back then, the kids at school didn't take kindly to Greek immigrants," she recalls. "Things got pretty rough. One time, they actually tied me to a tree, stuffed my mouth with a sock, and left me there. After that, I made sure they knew I wasn't someone to mess with—I carried a knife!"
Standing Up for Herself
Olympia learned early on the importance of standing up for herself, but her fiery, independent spirit often clashed with her strict parents. "Fighting with my parents was one of the biggest battles I ever had to face," she says. "But it taught me to hold my ground. My anger became a driving force that gave me strength and confidence." This resilience is beautifully captured in the new documentary Olympia, which delves deep into her life and legacy.
Read also:Tom Selleck Celebrates Turning 80 With Family And Friends
Facing the Demons of Addiction
After graduating from Boston University in 1957, Olympia faced an even greater challenge—addiction. She became dependent on uppers and downers as she struggled to keep up with the pressures of life. "Things got so bad that I even attempted suicide," she reveals. "I remember thinking, 'It would be so easy. I'll just stand in front of the oncoming truck.' I did, and a woman pushed me out of the way. I was dealing with anger issues from my family and society, and I doubted my abilities as an actress. Sometimes, we all give in to our insecurities, but my family, friends, and work kept me going."
Love and Support
In 1962, Olympia married actor Louis Zorich, and life took a turn for the better. "We had respect, love, friendship, and laughter," she reminisces. "We supported each other in everything we wanted to do in life." Their union lasted 55 years until Louis passed away in 2018. Despite her loss, Olympia cherishes the joyful memories of their time together.
Their children—Christina, 55, Peter, 51, and Stefan, 49—gave Olympia a sense of belonging. "I wanted to give my kids the freedom to find themselves, unlike the strict rules and regulations I grew up with," she explains. "I wanted them to explore who they were, whether or not it was the right thing to do."
Gratitude and Reflection
At 89, Olympia is grateful for the life she's lived. "I'm thankful to have reached this age, and now, all I want to do is have a good time!" she says with a smile. If you're curious to learn more about this incredible woman, you can find her story and many others in the latest issue of Closer magazine, available on newsstands now!
