Friends, family and colleagues gathered at the First Cemetery of Athens on Wednesday afternoon to bid their final farewell to actor Nikos Kalogeropoulos.
Following the civil service in the Greek capital on August 12, 2026, the body of the 74-year-old artist was transferred to Ritsona for cremation.
The First Cemetery of Athens, opened in 1837, is the historic resting place for many of Greece's prominent public figures and artists. The cremation facility in Ritsona, located in central Greece, serves as the country's primary municipal crematorium.
As the coffin was carried to the hearse, mourners applauded warmly and sang Kalogeropoulos's song Karaiskakis together in deep emotion. The piece, recorded on album by singer Vasilis Papakonstantinou, was performed outside the venue by actor Panos Vlachos, who sang in front of the hearse while unable to hold back his tears.
Tributes from Greek Actors Union
Nikos Karagiorgis, the president of the Greek Actors Union, described Kalogeropoulos as a multi-talented and complex individual during statements at the cemetery. Karagiorgis stated that Kalogeropoulos was an honest person and a great actor, expressing his personal view that Kalogeropoulos was the best actor of his generation and perhaps overall.
The Greek Actors Union, established in 1917, is the professional trade association representing stage and screen actors in Greece.
Karagiorgis highlighted Kalogeropoulos's creative work as a lyricist, songwriter, screenwriter, and director. He noted that Kalogeropoulos composed music for his own films, including Riders of Pylos, which featured a track sung by Papakonstantinou.
Kalogeropoulos made his early musical mark in the 1983 film Rebetiko, directed by Costas Ferris, a celebrated drama about Greek urban folk music. Decades later, he wrote, directed, and starred in Riders of Pylos in 2011.
Karagiorgis noted that although Kalogeropoulos's father originally opposed his musical aspirations, it did not stop him from pursuing his dream. Describing him as a one-man orchestra and a deeply reflective artist, Karagiorgis said Kalogeropoulos rejected commercial theatre for its own sake, believing that drama must express political speech. Karagiorgis added that Kalogeropoulos insisted on his freedom of choice and remained a unique, disobedient figure.
Reflections on life and artistic legacy
Speaking to journalists, actor Apostolos Gkletsos said colleagues gathered to bid farewell to a great artist, philosopher, and close friend. Gkletsos remarked that Kalogeropoulos lived an intense life and that he had loved, admired, and followed his artistic, philosophical, and personal journey.
Gkletsos emphasized that Kalogeropoulos remained consistent in both his words and his actions throughout his lifetime. He said this integrity defined Kalogeropoulos, giving courage to younger actors and charting a clear path for others.
Kalogeropoulos, who died at age 74, established his reputation as one of the defining figures of Greek cinema during the 1980s and 1990s.
Prominent attendees at the Athens ceremony
The civil service brought together notable figures from across the Greek cultural and political landscape. Attendees included actors Apostolos Gkletsos, Giorgos Voyiatzis, Vana Barba, Spyros Bimpilas, Eleni Roda, Christina Tsafou, Stathis Stamoulakatos, Charis Mavroudis, Konstantinos Manos, and Stelios Goutis.
Director Nikos Perakis, singer Gerasimos Andreatos, former minister Nikos Sifounakis, and Actors Union president Nikos Karagiorgis were also present to pay their respects alongside actor Panos Vlachos.
Family donation request
Rather than providing traditional floral wreaths, the family of Kalogeropoulos requested that well-wishers direct commemorative donations to The Actor's House.
The Actor's House is a non-profit foundation and cultural center in Athens that offers support, shelter, and financial assistance to Greek actors in need.
Photographs from the funeral service were documented by Eurokinissi photographer Michalis Papanikolaou and NDP Photo photographer Andreas Nikolareas.
