Dimitris Tsakiris

Biography

Dimitris Tsakiris was a celebrated figure in early Greek cinema, often hailed as the country's first matinee idol. With minimal formal training in acting, he earned praise for his performances in a handful of commercially successful films, most notably Sweetheart of a Shepherdess (1932). Despite his promising start, Tsakiris abruptly stepped away from Greek cinema and eventually relocated to the United States. In New York, he became involved in a legal controversy in 1942, after which he shifted his focus to business. By 1953, Tsakiris had opened Chez Dimitri, a small Manhattan bistro that combined dining with an art gallery, drawing attention for its decor, diverse menu, and cultured atmosphere. Praised in local publications as "the former Rudolph Valentino of Greek films," he was known for his charm, refined taste, and deep knowledge of music and the arts. Beyond this, little is known about his later life, leaving his years after Greek cinema largely a mystery.