Nia Vardalos receives hometown recognition

WINNIPEG - Longing for a snowy Winnipeg Christmas, comedian and actress Nia Vardalos returned to her hometown Saturday, receiving a warm welcome from her family and government officials.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer presented the My Big Fat Greek Wedding star with the Queen's Jubilee Medal, while Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray presented her with a civic award. Both distinctions recognized Vardalos's recent fundraising efforts for Winnipeg's Greek community and for a children's health centre.

"Nia's been on David Letterman and Jay Leno, always celebrating her Greek roots and her Winnipeg roots," Doer explained to The Canadian Press.

"It's been wonderful for our community the way she keeps in close touch with her sister and her family."

Though Wedding was the highest-grossing independent movie ever, writer and star Vardalos has been out of the spotlight since the TV sitcom spinoff was cancelled last spring after seven episodes.

Her new movie, which Vardalos also wrote and starred in, is entitled Connie and Carla and hits theatres in April 2004. The film also features Debbie Reynolds, Toni Collette and David Duchovny.

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