Greek actor Pavlos Kourtidis dies after serious illness

The Greek cultural landscape mourns the loss of actor Pavlos Kourtidis, who passed away following a serious illness. The news was shared by Spyros Bibilas, president of the Hellenic Actors' Union, who expressed profound sadness over the departure of a significant artist.

Kourtidis left an indelible mark on both theater and television. He was recognized by Greek audiences for his performances in acclaimed series such as "Ilektra," "Agries Melisses" (Wild Bees), "To Kokkino Potami" (The Red River), and "I Magissa" (The Witch). His acting career also extended internationally, with roles in German productions like the romantic comedy "Alt Ledig Findet" and the mystery series "Rembetis die Geisterjäger," for which he was nominated for a Jupiter Award in 2025. He also appeared in the international film "Klara" and played Konstantinos Mavromichalis in Yiannis Smaragdis's 2025 production "Kapodistrias."

Beyond his acting, Kourtidis was a versatile artist, excelling as a choreographer and theater director. He founded the Pavlos Kourtidis Dancetheater in 2005, creating innovative performances that blended Greek history and mythology with contemporary dance theater. For over 15 years, he was active as an actor, dancer, and choreographer, and also trained in martial arts, boxing, and stage fighting.

Born and raised in Wuppertal, Germany, Kourtidis built a professional career spanning Athens, Berlin, and Liverpool. His funeral will take place in his hometown. Bibilas remembered Kourtidis as a tireless worker in the theater, a multi-talented individual, and a friend whose ideas often aligned with his own. He noted Kourtidis's significant contribution to Greek culture and expressed that he will be deeply missed.