Fragiskos Manellis(1909-1978)

Fragiskos Manellis was a Greek comic actor best known for portraying kind-hearted buffoons, often alongside Takis Miliadis and Thanasis Vengos. He began his stage career in 1931, debuting in musical theatre with The Merry Widow. He later toured extensively with musical troupes throughout the Greek diaspora. Manellis made his film debut in 1943 in I thyella perase (1943), and went on to appear in 56 films, collaborating frequently with director Vangelis Melissinos. In addition to acting, he also worked as a screenwriter, producer, and production manager. Audiences fondly remember his exuberant humor and his signature roles as naïve or eccentric characters, including a famously risqué scene where he played a dentist with comically suggestive dialogue. Known for his comedic timing and larger-than-life stage presence, he was also recognized for playing flamboyant roles such as maharajahs. Offstage, he was known as a bon vivant and enjoyed singing at a local taverna in Nikaia with his troupe and the orchestra of Giannis Laoutaris. Manellis was married to actress Mary Nikolaidou, daughter of lyricist Eftyhia Papagiannopoulou, and their daughter, Rea Manelli, became a well-known dancer and author.