Crucially, the studio wanted to cast a "name" actress in the lead role, but Vardalos insisted on playing Toula Portokalos herself. Her insistence on authenticity—both in casting and in the script—became the film’s secret weapon.
Every family has a father who is stubborn, a mother who holds the real power, and an aunt who knows everyone's business. The film succeeded because it never mocked these characters; it loved them. my big fat greek wedding 2002