Acclaimed actor Stefanos Linaios died on Saturday April 18 at the age of 98 with his wife, actress Elli Fotiou by his side. His daughter Margarita Mytilinaiou confirmed the news, although she did not reveal a cause of death. She paid touching tribute to her father in a Facebook post refelcting on his legacy of integrity and passion. "You left us full of years, smiling and full of love—a rare feat. Throughout your life, you fought for what you believed to be honest, just, and democratic. Struggles, anxieties, exile, economic hardships, political disappointments—you faced them all, and you overcame them all," she penned.

Alongside his impressive acting career which spanned seven decades Stefanos was also a writer, director, theatrical entrepreneur, and activist. He honed his craft at RADA in London studying there from 1969 having graduated from Athens Drama School in 1951. Between 1954 and 1967 alone, he performed in 100 plays, collaborating with 20 theatrical groups.

His filmography boasts appearances in more than 100 movies, alongside extensive television and radio work.

He was also the founder of the Modern Greek Theatre company at the Alpha Theatre in Athens.

As a writer he penned numerous short stories such as Some Deaths and also wrote analysis, such as Modern Theatre and TV as a Means of Education, which was utilised in the establishment of educational television by ERT.

A socially conscious man, he served as General Secretary of the Greek Actors’ Association from 1966 to 1967, until he was removed by the military junta due to his political beliefs. He was also an advisor to the Panhellenic Union of Free Theatre (PEETH) from 1975 and to the Hellenic Theatre Centre from 1977.

Tributes flooded in for the beloved star as news of his death became public. On Facebook one penned: "An artist with morals and rare values... Have a good journey Condolences to his family." Another added: "Condolences to the family of this great artist and person. Have a good journey to eternity."

A third chimed in: "A great person and actor. He left his mark on the world of art. Condolences to his family. How much poorer we have become today."

A fourth shared: "Have a good journey, an exponent of quality, dignity, self-respect Condolences to the family A wonderful person, actor, artist...these people that Greece needs so much today, we will miss him very much."

A fifth opined: "May he rest in peace and always be remembered by all who knew and loved him." Meanwhile a sixth lamented: "Good heavens!!! wonderful man, wonderful actor and perfect family man!!! have a good journey to the light!!"