People Who Mattered 2002

By Lev Grossman Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002

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    John Corbett and Nia Vardalos
    A romantic comedy with indie-film credibility and big-studio profits? The stars of My Big Fat Greek Wedding are having their cake and eating it too. Vardalos, Corbett and producers Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson made the film for $5 million and change, then watched it become the biggest indie hit in U.S. history, pulling in more than $215 million at the box office. Now that's a wedding present to love.

    Joe Pantoliano
    In one of the year's more memorable TV moments, Tony Soprano lost his temper in the kitchen, and fellow made man Ralphie Cifaretto lost his head, which ended up in a bowling ball bag. Ralphie was a fellow of infinite jest but few other redeeming qualities, and Pantoliano played him with a loathsome relish that made him irresistible. He will be missed — but hey, you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

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