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Stelios Mainas

Stelios Mainas is a prominent Greek actor and director acclaimed for his work across stage, cinema, and television, notably awarded a Hellenic Film Academy Award for Best Actor.

1. Early life and personal background

Stelios Mainas's early life and personal background shaped his journey into the performing arts.

1.1. Birth and childhood

Stelios Mainas was born on October 1, 1957, in Ermoupoli, the capital of the island of Syros, Greece. While specific details about his childhood experiences are not widely publicized, his birthplace, Ermoupoli, is recognized for its rich cultural history and neoclassical architecture, which may have influenced his artistic inclinations from a young age.

1.2. Education

Mainas pursued formal training in acting, which laid the foundation for his extensive career. He graduated from the esteemed Veakis Drama School in Athens, Greece, in 1982. This institution is known for its comprehensive curriculum in theatrical arts, preparing students for various roles in stage, film, and television.

1.3. Personal life

In his personal life, Stelios Mainas is married to the notable Greek actress Katia Sperelaki. The couple shares a life together and have one son. Their shared profession in the acting world suggests a common understanding and mutual support for each other's careers.

2. Acting career

Stelios Mainas has built a versatile and extensive acting career spanning over four decades, with significant contributions to Greek cinema and television, and experience on stage. He is also known to be a director, expanding his professional scope beyond acting.

2.1. Career beginnings and notable roles

Following his graduation from Veakis Drama School in 1982, Stelios Mainas immediately began working as an actor across various mediums, including theatre, film, and television. His debut film role was in the 1984 critically acclaimed and popular Greek comedy Loafing and Camouflage (original Greek title: I haraktiri mou), a film that humorously satirized aspects of Greek military life.

Mainas gained widespread recognition across Greece for his performance in the popular comedy television series Oi Men Kai Oi Den, which aired from 1993 to 1996. His role in this series established him as a prominent figure in Greek households. Further cementing his prominence in Greek cinema was his appearance in the 1998 road movie Valkanisateur, a film exploring themes of identity and cultural encounters in the Balkans.

Throughout his career, Mainas has appeared in numerous other significant films, showcasing his dramatic range and versatility. These include Hard Goodbyes: My Father (2002), a poignant drama, and A Touch of Spice (2003), a widely acclaimed international film that explores themes of family, love, and cultural heritage through the lens of a young boy's memories of his grandfather. Beyond his prolific acting work, Mainas is also recognized for his contributions as a director.

2.2. Filmography

Stelios Mainas has a substantial filmography reflecting his prolific work in cinema.

  • Loafing and Camouflage (1984)
  • Vios Kai Politeia (1987)
  • Lipotaktis (1988)
  • Pano Kato kai Plagios (1992)
  • Valkanisateur (1997)
  • Brazileiro (2001)
  • Hard Goodbyes: My Father (2002)
  • A Touch of Spice (2003)
  • Guiness (2009)
  • Ap' Ta Kokkala Vgalmena (2011)
  • 7 Kinds of Wrath (2014)
  • Tetarti 04:45 (2015)
  • 1968 (2018)

2.3. Television appearances

In addition to his film and stage work, Stelios Mainas has been a regular presence on Greek television, starring in several popular series that have contributed to his widespread recognition.

  • I Men... ke I Den (1993-1996)
  • Dolce Vita (1995)
  • Konstantinou kai Elenis (1999)
  • Mavra Mesanychta (2007-2009)
  • To Nisi (2010-2011)

3. Awards and recognition

Stelios Mainas's acting prowess has been recognized with significant awards, cementing his status as a leading figure in Greek entertainment and demonstrating his critical acclaim.

3.1. Major awards

Among his notable accolades, Stelios Mainas received the Best Actor Award at the prestigious Hellenic Film Academy Awards. This significant recognition was specifically for his compelling performance in the film Tetarti 4:45 (also known as Wednesday 04:45), which premiered in 2015. This award highlights his critical success and profound contribution to contemporary Greek cinema.