The death of the extremely talented actor, mainly of theatre and cinema, Elias Logothetis, at the age of 85, leaves an unfulfilling void in the theatre world. The Lefkadian artist left behind a wealth of sensational performances which place him deservedly on the shelf of the greats of Greek acting.

His death was announced by his son, Alexandros Logothetis, who wrote on a black page “Goodbye blue eyes” (“So long blue eyes”). His captivating look with his blue eyes was one of his strongest acting… cards, in almost all his performances.

Elias Logothetis was born on April 15, 1939 and grew up in Lefkada. He did not think of pursuing acting, as he was more attracted to opera as a genre. He studied and graduated from the Political Science Department of the Panteion University of Athens. He came into contact with the theatre through the Karolos Kuhn Art Theatre, where he graduated in 1967 and took part in many theatre performances. He first appeared in the cinema in 1970 in the play “Babylonia”.

Ilias Logothetis’ presence on stage was always a revelation. A graduate of Panteion, he did not have the profession of an actor in mind; instead, he wished to pursue his career as an opera singer. His love of singing was obvious, and many people referred to his exceptional talent.

He has collaborated with the leading companies of the independent theatre, such as Yannis Fertis-Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Kakia Analiti-Kostas Rigopoulos, Nikos Xanthopoulos, Thanasis Vengos, Angelos Antonopoulos-Miranda Kunelaki, as well as with the Spyros Evaggelatos Amphitheatre, etc.

As a director, but also as a teacher of acting, he worked at the Drama School “Rampa”, at the “Theatrical Workshop” of Vassilis Diamantopoulos, as well as at the Higher Drama School “Theatrical Happenings IASMOS”.

He was recognized with the Performance Award at the Thessaloniki Film Festival for his performances in the films “Babylonia” (as the Police Officer) and “The Children of Swallow” by Kostas Vrettakos (1988). His comic performance was just as impressive as his performance in dramatic roles.

In total, Elias Logothetis has participated in dozens of theatrical performances, more than 50 Greek films and a corresponding number of television series. His last appearance was in “Eteros Ego: Nemesis”, directed by Sotiris Tsafoulias, in a scene that took place in a hospital and stole the show.

He became known mainly in comedic roles from his television and film appearances. In 2000 he received positive reviews from Harold Pinter for his performance in the play “Dead Zone”. He has worked with the companies of Yannis Fertis-Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Kakia Analitis-Kosta Rigopoulos, Nikos Xanthopoulos, Thanasis Vengos, Angelos Antonopoulos-Miranta Kounelakis, Spyros Evaggelatos Amphitheatre and others.

He participated in many theatre plays on television in the well-known “Theater of Monday” (ERT1). He also took part in musical performances, such as the tribute to Michalis Sougioul. He was married to the actress Maria Zacharis.

Ilias Logothetis was a great actor who studied under Karolos Koun. He interpreted important roles with passion, honesty and ethos, bringing them to life in the theatre, in Greek cinema and on television,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, who was informed of the death of Ilias Logothetis.

“The writer Harold Pinter – Mendoni continued – congratulating him on his performance as Spooner in his play ‘Dead Zone’, asked him what was so special about his performance. And the modest Elias, who was loved by Greek audiences in whatever genre of theatre he was performing, replied that his Mediterranean temperament made him put a little emotion into every role he played. It was this temperament, his attitude to life, his dedication and his love of art that made him stand out very early on, whether he was acting in Byzantius’ Babylonia or Beckett’s The End of the Game, or even interpreting Vyzynos in Lakis Papastathis’ Only the Journey of His Life. A Lefkadite, an opera lover, dedicated to his work, an intellectual and at the same time a friend and colleague, simple and approachable, Elias Logothetis was loved by the public. He will be missed by us all. My sincere condolences to his family.”