Bess Meisler is an American actress who became famous for playing warm and funny grandmother roles. Many people remember her as “Yiayia,” the strong and silent grandma in the hit movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She began her screen career much later than most actors, proving that dreams have no age limit.

Bess is known for her charm, expressive face, and calm presence. She is loved for the joy she brought to millions through her performances. Her life story shows that success can come at any stage if you stay passionate and patient.

Who Is Bess Meisler?

Bess Meisler is a talented American actress who became famous later in life. Many people know her as the funny and strong grandmother “Yiayia” from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She was born in New York City and started acting on stage before moving to film and television.

What makes Bess special is that she started her on-screen career in her 60s, showing that dreams can come true at any age. She worked hard, stayed humble, and became a face that movie fans around the world still remember with love and laughter.

Bess Meisler Bio/Wiki:

Category	Information
Full Name	Bessie Alalouf (Meisler)
Stage Name	Bess Meisler
Date of Birth	July 19, 1922
Age (2025)	102 years old
Birthplace	New York City, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Greek-Jewish
Religion	Jewish heritage
Height	5 ft 6 in (approx.)
Occupation	Actress (Theatre, Film & TV)
Years Active	1980 – 2016
Famous For	Role as Yiayia in *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*
Marital Status	Divorced (formerly married to Seymour Meisler)
Children	One daughter (Phyllis Meisler)
Net Worth (Est.)	Approx. $1 million USD (unverified)
Notable Movies	*My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)*, *Daddy Day Care (2003)*, *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)*

Early Life and Education

Bess Meisler was born on July 19, 1922, in New York City, USA. Her parents were Greek-Jewish immigrants, which gave her a rich cultural background and helped shape her character. Her birth name was Bessie Alalouf.

She grew up in a busy, loving home and showed interest in performing when she was young. Although there isn’t much public information about her early schooling, it’s known that she was drawn to acting and theatre from an early age. She learned her craft through stage work, building her skills long before she became famous on screen.

Bess Meisler Age, Height, Weight and Appearance

As of 2025, Bess Meisler is 102 years old. She has aged gracefully and is admired for her gentle and warm appearance. She stands around 5 feet 6 inches tall and has a healthy, steady build.

Her expressive eyes, kind smile, and calm face make her perfect for motherly and grandmotherly roles in movies. She has a timeless charm that audiences connect with. Over the years, Bess has shown that beauty and confidence don’t fade with age they grow stronger with experience and wisdom.

Bess Meisler Real Name and Current Address

Her real name is Bessie Alalouf, but she is known professionally as Bess Meisler. This shorter name became her stage name when she began acting professionally.

She currently lives in the United States, but her exact address is private, as she values her peace and personal life. Like many respected actors, Bess keeps her home life quiet and enjoys her time away from cameras.

Bess Meisler Parents and Siblings

Bess was born into a close, hard-working family. Her parents, Avraam Alalouf and Perla Alalouf, were Jewish immigrants from Greece who moved to New York to start a new life. Their background gave Bess both Greek and Jewish cultural roots.

She had siblings a brother and a sister with whom she shared a loving childhood. Growing up in a multicultural home gave her the ability to play characters full of heart and humor, like her famous Greek grandmother role later in life.

Bess Meisler Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion

Bess Meisler is proudly American. Her family’s roots are Greek-Jewish, and she grew up with those cultural traditions. She has spoken about the warmth and humor found in Greek families, which helped her play the role of “Yiayia” so naturally.

Her upbringing was full of faith, love, and family values. While she does not publicly talk about religion often, it is known that she was raised in the Jewish faith, and she respects the spiritual side of life.

Bess Meisler Marital Status

Bess Meisler was married to Seymour Meisler. The couple married in 1943, and although their marriage ended in 1962, they shared nearly two decades together.

Even after their separation, Bess continued to use her married name professionally. She has always been private about her personal relationships but is known to have remained close to her family members throughout her life.

Bess Meisler Children

Bess Meisler has one daughter named Phyllis Meisler. Her daughter lives in Southern California and has kept out of the spotlight. Bess has mentioned in interviews that family means everything to her.

She enjoys being a mother and grandmother figure both in real life and on screen. Her relationship with her daughter shows the same love and humor that she brings to her acting.

Bess Meisler Wikipedia

Bess Meisler has an official Wikipedia page that lists her date of birth, place of birth, family background, and career highlights.

It mentions her heritage, real name, and acting credits, including Broadway, television, and film roles. While Wikipedia gives basic facts, it doesn’t capture her warmth, her perseverance, or the inspiring message her life represents: that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Reason of Fame

Bess became famous for her role as the grandmother, Yiayia, in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The film was a cultural phenomenon, and her character became one of the funniest and most loved parts of the movie.

People adored her for her facial expressions, timing, and natural humor. She proved that supporting characters can leave a big impression. Her performance helped make the movie a classic and brought her into the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Bess Meisler Career Journey

Bess Meisler’s career is a story of patience and passion. She started performing in theatre before she was ever on television or in films. In her fifties, she joined Broadway productions, including Fiddler on the Roof in 1981, where she played supporting characters and learned professional stage acting. Her screen debut came much later, around 1987, when she began appearing in TV shows and small movie roles.

Her biggest break came in 2002 when she played the hilarious and lovable grandmother, Yiayia, in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The film became a worldwide hit, and Bess’s expressive acting made her unforgettable. She later returned in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016). She also appeared in movies like Daddy Day Care (2003), Room 6 (2006), and The Perfect Family (2011).

Her career shows that you don’t need to be young to start something amazing. She proved that talent, effort, and heart matter more than age or fame.

Bess Meisler Net Worth

Bess Meisler’s exact net worth has never been officially published. Some online reports estimate it around $1 million, but that number is unverified. Her main income came from her acting work on stage and in films.

While she was never one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars, she earned respect and admiration that money cannot buy. Her true wealth is her long career, her legacy, and the love of the fans who still remember her.

Divorce and Reason of Divorce

Bess Meisler married Seymour Meisler in 1943, and they were together for almost twenty years. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1962. Like many private people in that era, Bess never shared many details about the reason for their separation.

However, it is believed that their differences in lifestyle and growing apart over time led to the decision. The split was peaceful and respectful. After the divorce, Bess focused on raising her daughter, Phyllis, and building her acting career. Even though her marriage ended, she kept the Meisler name for her professional work, which became part of her lasting identity in the entertainment world.

Social Media Presence

Bess Meisler does not use social media. She has no official Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram accounts. Unlike younger actors, she belongs to a generation that values privacy over online fame.

Fans who want to learn about her work can find her movies on streaming platforms and read about her legacy in film articles. Even without social media, her name remains loved and recognized.

Achievements and Awards

Bess Meisler’s biggest achievement is not just the movies she acted in, but the message her career sends to the world. She began acting on screen when most people her age were already retired. That alone makes her story amazing. Her success in My Big Fat Greek Wedding proved that true talent has no age limit. Even though she didn’t win major Hollywood awards, her performance earned widespread praise from both audiences and critics.

In 2003, when My Big Fat Greek Wedding won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, Bess was celebrated as part of the film’s wonderful cast. Her silent humor and expressive acting helped make the movie one of the most loved romantic comedies ever. Many entertainment magazines and interviews have described her as a “scene-stealer” someone who stands out even in a few minutes of screen time.

Controversies

Bess Meisler has lived a quiet and clean life in the public eye. She has never been involved in controversies or scandals. Her reputation is positive among her colleagues and audiences.

She is admired for her professionalism, humor, and kind spirit. This peaceful image has helped her maintain respect in an industry where drama often overshadows talent.

Movies and TV Shows

Here are some of the best-known works of Bess Meisler:

Type	Title	Year	Role
Movie	My Big Fat Greek Wedding	2002	Yiayia
Movie	My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2	2016	Yiayia
Movie	Daddy Day Care	2003	Old Gypsy Woman
Movie	Room 6	2006	Ellen
Movie	The Perfect Family	2011	Neighbor
TV Show	Hunter	1987	Mrs. Petelli
Theatre	Fiddler on the Roof (Broadway)	1981	Swing roles

Her filmography shows her versatility and how she brought life and humor to every character, no matter how big or small the part was.

Future Goals and Ambitions

At over 100 years old, Bess Meisler has already achieved so much. She no longer acts in new films, but her legacy lives on.

Her main goal now is to enjoy the life she built, spend time with loved ones, and see younger actors inspired by her story. Her journey shows that it’s never too late to start something new, and that kindness and persistence matter more than fame. For Bess, success is about joy, not just work.

Legacy and Impact

Bess Meisler leaves behind an inspiring message for actors and dreamers everywhere. She showed the world that age doesn’t limit creativity. Her role in My Big Fat Greek Wedding gave viewers laughter, love, and warmth.

Many fans say her character reminded them of their own grandmothers. Beyond her acting, Bess has become a symbol of courage and patience. She represents the idea that small roles can make big memories—and that true talent never fades.

Unknown Facts

Here are a few lesser-known facts about Bess Meisler:

• She began acting on film and TV when she was about 65 years old.
• She worked on Broadway before entering Hollywood.
• Her birth name is Bessie Alalouf.
• She was married once and has one daughter.
• She is of Greek-Jewish descent.
• She has lived a scandal-free, private life.
• Even in her late nineties, fans still recognize her for My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Hobbies

• Enjoys quiet activities that match her calm and thoughtful nature.

• Loves reading and spending peaceful time with good books.

• Has a deep passion for theatre and enjoys watching live performances.

• Values family time and cherishes moments spent with loved ones.

• Appreciates good humor and often enjoys lighthearted stories and comedy.

• Likes storytelling, both in acting and everyday life.

• Finds joy in simple, meaningful moments rather than fame or spotlight.

FAQs

Q1. What is Bess Meisler’s full name?
Her full name is Bessie Alalouf Meisler.

Q2. How old is Bess Meisler?
She is 102 years old (born July 19, 1922).

Q3. What is Bess Meisler famous for?
She is best known for her role as Yiayia in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Q4. When did she start acting?
She started acting on stage in her 50s and began screen acting in her 60s.

Q5. Does she have children?
Yes, she has one daughter named Phyllis Meisler.

Q6. Does Bess Meisler have social media?
No, she does not use social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram.

Q7. Is she still acting?
No, she retired after her later film roles, but her legacy continues to inspire.

Final Thoughts

Bess Meisler’s life is an inspiration to anyone who believes it’s too late to follow their dreams. She started her movie career when most people retire and she became a worldwide favorite. Her laughter, kindness, and strong spirit made audiences love her instantly.

She reminds us that real talent doesn’t depend on age or fame; it depends on heart and courage. Bess Meisler’s story is a living proof that life can surprise you at any time, and dreams can come true even when they start late.