Big Fat Greek Wedding’s Vardalos files for divorce

Her 1993 nuptials inspired the hit movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and the marriage lasted for nearly 25 years.

But last week, Nia Vardalos, 55, filed for divorce from husband Ian Gomez, 53, citing irreconcilable differences.

In a joint statement, the couple called the split a joint decision that comes after more than a year of separation.

“We’ve been respectfully separated for a lengthy period of time. Our relationship became a friendship so the decision to end the marriage is completely mutual and amicable,” the statement said. “It is our hope that decency will prevail on the reporting of this story, which will soon be yesterday’s news. Thank you for respecting our privacy.”

Vardalos requested joint legal custody of the couple’s 11-year-old daughter, Ilaria Vardalos Gomez, in the Los Angeles Superior Court filing, according to E! News. The papers list the couple’s date of separation as June 29, 2017.

After the couple’s September 1993 wedding, Vardolos wrote the one-woman play My Big Fat Greek Wedding, partially based on her experiences. She starred in the 2002 hit movie, playing Toula Portokalos, who falls in love with nonGreek Ian Miller (John Corbett). Gomez played Corbett’s best man, Mike.

Vardalos and Gomez adopted their daughter Illaria, an experience the actress detailed in her book Instant Mom.

“Cut to I immediately, very suddenly, very instantly became a mom when we got to adopt our daughter via American foster care. She was almost three years old, and the entire process of motherhood was accelerated for me,” says Vardalos. “I felt like I was pushed down a hill skiing with no poles.”

Vardalos said in 2016 her daughter’s first day of kindergarten inspired her to write 2016’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, with her and Gomez reprising the same roles.