R.I.P. Oscar-winner Olympia Dukakis Photo: Theo Wargo (Getty Images) Olympia Dukakis has died. The Oscar-winning actor, director, activist, teacher, playwright, and more was celebrated for roles in films like and Steel Magnolias, once romanced Abe Simpson himself, and spent her life and career as an advocate for progressive causes and LGBTQ+ rights. Dukakis died today in her home in New York City; she was 89. Advertisement Born to Greek immigrants in Massachusetts in the 1930s, Dukakis wasted little time in excelling; she was a New England fencing champion three times over at an early age, and used her degree in physical therapy to aid the recovery of victims of polio. She moved into acting in the early ’60s, starting in Massachusetts theater before moving to Off-, and then On-, Broadway productions. By 1962 she was married to fellow actor Louis Zorich—with whom she remained married until his death in 2018—and continuing to work steadily even while raising three children. Her hats during this period included artistic director, teacher, and more, but while she acted in a number of films, the veteran stage actress frequently found herself relegated to the smallest of parts.