The cherished Greek actor, who passed away at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with cancer, kept much of his personal life out of the limelight despite his popularity. His life story encompasses two marriages—one brief and another more enduring—an engagement that never led to marriage, and a deep bond with Betty Livanou. He was celebrated as one of the most beloved figures in Greek cinema, beginning his career in 1970 alongside Aliki Vougiouklaki.
Nikos Galanos kicked off his career with his debut in the film “One Funny Girl” in 1970, starring alongside Aliki Vougiouklaki. The young actor, noted for his dark hair and captivating eyes, quickly gained attention and was often referred to as “the handsome man of Greek cinema.” Despite his striking looks and the intrigue surrounding his private life—especially from female fans—Galanos was diligent about protecting his personal matters from public scrutiny.
His Marriages
In various interviews, Galanos shared glimpses of his personal life. He married twice, with his first marriage occurring at a young age and lasting only five months. He remarked, “I got married when I was 18. In my generation, marriage was a tradition. We were together for 1.5 years, but after five months, we separated.”
His second marriage, fueled by a passionate romance, lasted longer. He married actress Katerina Maragou, whom he met in 1975 while filming the series “Meneexedinia Politia.” Although they deeply cared for each other, their intense love eventually subsided, leading to their separation shortly after.
Despite his two youthful marriages, Galanos stated that he never had the desire to become a father. In an interview, he shared, “Marriage doesn’t suit me at all. I have never felt the need for children. I have always enjoyed my freedom and acting on my own terms, without obligations.”
Additionally, he elaborated in another interview on his perspective: “I don’t know if I wanted children. My lifestyle has always been uncomplicated; I don’t take it too seriously. I value my work seriously, like a close friend or relationship, but I’m not interested in societal norms or obligations.”
The Relationship with Betty Livanu
On December 11, 1972, the film “Sin of Beauty” premiered, featuring Nikos Galanos and Betty Livanou. This marked Livanou’s cinematic debut, facilitated by director Yiannis Dalianidis, who recognized her talent and encouraged her to join the Fonos Film family, which Galanos was already part of.
This led to her first significant role alongside Galanos and Tasso Kavvadia, and the film enjoyed great success, selling over 126,000 tickets on its opening day, making both the film and its stars widely covered in media.
Speculation about a romantic relationship between Galanos and Livanou arose during filming, although neither confirmed it publicly. Livanou remarked in an interview, “These matters are deeply personal, and we don’t discuss them openly. Often, reports are more sensational than reality. We share a very sweet relationship. He’s a wonderful person, and our connection, particularly from filming ‘Sin of Beauty,’ is one of my fondest experiences.”
The Engagement with Katia Dandoulaki
Another revelation came regarding Galanos’s engagement to Katia Dandoulaki, which ultimately did not lead to marriage. Dandoulaki reflected on this in an interview, sharing, “Nikos is a remarkable person, and I cherish the memories we created together. We were together for two years. Our relationship ended because we weren’t the best match. However, we collaborated beautifully and remain great friends. I maintain good relations with all my past partners.”
When asked about the engagement, Galanos mentioned that he wouldn’t have publicly spoken about it had Dandoulaki not brought it up. “If Katia hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have acknowledged our engagement. We were engaged with a ring and planned to marry, having spent two and a half years together. It was a known fact in magazines. I prefer not to delve into my personal life or that of others, and I dislike when people speak about me or others behind our backs,” he noted.
His Relationship with Elena Saganaki
In the months leading up to his death, Galanos was involved with Elena Saganaki, a relationship that lasted several years. She was a striking brunette who originally worked in her family’s used car business before transitioning to luxury vehicle sales as a consultant. Reports suggest she was captivated by Galanos’s charm and fell deeply in love, and despite a significant age difference of 30 years, their relationship thrived until the end.
Nikos Galanos’s personal life was defined by meaningful relationships and choices made in privacy. Despite his fame, he valued independence and left behind a legacy not only of acting talent but also as a man who cherished personal freedom and authentic connections.
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