Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis hailed as ‘genius’

Tributes have been paid to the “genius” Oscarwinning actress Olympia Dukakis. The US star died aged 89 on Saturday in New York, according to her agent.

She was known for her roles in films including the 1987 comedy Moonstruck and 1989 drama Steel Magnolias.

Cher, who starred with Dukakis in Moonstruck, labelled her “amazing” in a tribute on social media.

The singer and actress added: “Olympia played my mom in Moonstruck, & even though her part was that of a suffering wife, we laughed ALL the time.

“I talked to her 3 weeks ago. RIP Dear One.”

Actress and producer Viola Davis labelled Dukakis a “consummate actor”.

In a tweet, she added: “You made all around you step up their game.

“Rest well. ‘May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’.”

British actor Tony Maudsley said he was “so incredibly sad”.

“A genius Oscar winning actress from whom I learned so much in my early career,” he said.

“Such happy memories of working alongside her in A Life For A Life: The True Story of Stefan Kiszko, The Intended and My Beautiful Son.

“I did my very first TV interview with her at my side, squeezing my hand because I was so scared.”

Better Call Saul star Michael McKean said Dukakis was “a great actress who loved the work and loved the theatre”.

He added: “She was the acting teacher who spoke to me (and many, many others) with clarity and humor and NO censor.

“She would tell us: don’t forget that the reason you wanted to do this was that it looked like fun.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, also paid tribute.

“Olympia Dukakis brought warmth, humor and wit to the stage and screen for almost 60 years.

“She will be missed.”