Popular film, television and stage actor Nikos Galanos, one of the last of the “jeune premier” of Greek cinema’s “golden era”, died on Monday at the age of 79.

Galanos, born Nikolaos Soupionas in Athens on Dec. 20, 1945, began his career in the early 1960s and had acquired “marquee” status by the early 1970s, a period that marked the dawn of the hugely successful local movie industry.

He participated in scores of television series and theater productions over the subsequent decades, up until very recently.

In a later statement, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni expressed her condolences to Galanos’ loved ones over his passing, while referring to the “conclusion of a creative journey over six decades on the stage, on the big screen and television.”

With co-star Katia Dandoulaki in a stage play in the 1970s.