Nia Vardalos gets incredible advice from the most unbelievable sources

The Firecracker Department

Actress and screenwriter Nia Vardalos has received advice and opportunities from some truly unexpected sources. While working the box office at Toronto’s Second City, she tells Naomi how she fell in love with improv, deepened her passion for acting, and prepared herself for a breakthrough moment—stepping onto the stage when another actor fell ill. That pivotal experience set her on a path to Chicago and then Los Angeles, where, during a moment of panic, a cab driver encouraged her to take a breath and trust she would succeed—and she did. Inspired by her own Greek family, Nia decided to write a script based on their stories, and the project first came to life as a play before becoming the beloved movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Throughout her journey, she has remained open to the wisdom and opportunities that came her way, including surprising advice from her gynecologist about setting aside irrational thoughts. Nia shares with Naomi the importance of accepting tough but valuable feedback, her belief in letting creativity flow naturally, and her commitment to writing every day. Through it all, she’s learned to embrace her quirks, let her authentic self shine, and find strength in the unexpected.