Elias Koteas was born on March 11, 1961, in Montreal, Canada. Both his parents are of Greek descent. Elias attended Vanier College in Montreal before leaving to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in 1981, of which he is a graduate. He also attended the Actors Studio in New York City, where he studied acting under 'Ellen Burstyn' play "True West."
Appears frequently in Atom Egoyan s films: Ararat , Exotica and The Adjuster .
He is frequently confused for actor Christopher Meloni , although Koteas is less beefy and Meloni is of Italian-French descent rather than Greek.
Speaks Greek fluently, as well as French.
Is a Greek/Canadian
Friend of Leonard Termo.
As of 2014, has appeared in three films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Atlantic City, USA , The Thin Red Line and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button .
[2011, on Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) ] Unfortunately, I,was at a place in my life with a lot of chaos, a lot of distractions.
All great.
[2011, on The Prophecy (1995) ] I was given an opportunity, a,great character, but I just felt like I missed the boat on that one.
[2011, on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) ] Ah, 1989, the,summer of, 28-years-old, hair was flowing. I felt healthy, strong.
