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Nia's Big Fat "Greek" Lawsuit
What's a Wedding without a money dance?
Rick Siegel, former manager of Nia Vardalos, star and writer of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, has sued the actress for a big fat slice of her Wedding wealth.
According to the complaint filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Vardalos' former management company, Marathon Entertainment, alleges that she reneged on a verbal deal to share 15 percent of her proceeds from the sleeper hit. Wedding, which was pulled together on a $5 million budget, has grossed more than $227 million in North American ticket sales. There's also a CBS sitcom deal based on the movie.
Marathon, which managed the previously unknown actress for three years, also claims that Siegel, a managing partner, gave up a producing credit on the film in exchange for "unconditional payment" for his services.
The 40-year-old Vardalos, who is shmoozing with TV critics in Los Angeles today to promote her upcoming CBS series, could not be reached for comment. But reps for the Canadian-born comedian deny the allegations and claim the suit is "totally without merit". They contend that Siegel has already been paid commission on all monies that Vardalos has received on the film.
"It's outrageous that Ms. Vardalos would be sued for commission on money that she hasn't even received yet, especially considering the unwarranted generosity that she has shown Mr. Siegel," said the actress' attorney, Martin Singer.
Marathon, which invested $20,000 in the one-woman show that launched the highly profitable feature flick, claims it played an integral part in getting the production from stage to screen. The management company also alleges Vardalos strung Siegel along with promises of a paycheck even after she terminated his services in November 2000 when production on the movie had finished.
"Ms. Vardalos' choice to deprive her management company its deserved compensation to keep more of the spoils of her success for herself smacks of Greek tragedy," reads the lawsuit.
In a tit-for-tat move Vardalos' lawyer claims Siegel unlawfully acted as an unlicensed talent agent and has filed a complaint against the manager with the California Labor Commissioner. If it were proven that Siegel got Vardalos the movie gig he would have to forfeit his commission.
Meanwhile, Vardalos' vehicle continues to grow like a wart unchecked by Windex. CBS announced it will air a sneak preview of My Big Fat Greek Life on February 24. The small-screen spin off will assume its regular Sunday evening time slot March 2.
The tube series takes place the day after the Big Fat wedding and stars Vardalos as frumpy turned fabulous Toula Portokalos. However, John Corbett won't be returning as Vardalos' non-Greek hubby. He's under contract to FX for a series called Lucky.
Vardalos cowrote the TV pilot with tube vet Marsh McCall (Just Shoot Me). The two are on board as executive producers along with Wedding alum and staunch supporter Rita Wilson and Vardalos' current manager, Brad Gray.
Finally, if the $227 million in ticket sales wasn't enough, audiences gave Vardalos another big thumbs up Sunday night. Wedding was honored as last year's Favorite Motion Picture Comedy at the People's Choice Awards.
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