Was Olympia Dukakis related to Kitty and Michael Dukakis? Late Oscar winner’s connection to activist explained

Olympia Dukakis’ in-law, Katharine 'Kitty' Dukakis (née Dickson), died on Friday, March 21, 2025.

Kitty was an activist and the wife of former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis. The couple was married for over 61 years until Katharine’s passing. Michael is also Olympia Dukakis's first cousin. The late actress won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1988 for Moonstruck and acknowledged her cousin during her acceptance speech:

"OK, Michael, let's go!"

Olympia Dukakis made the gesture at the Academy Awards stage to voice support for Michael, who was running for US President. Earlier that year, the Picture Perfect actress was snapped with her first cousin at a fundraiser in New York. In a 2007 interview with Frank Rizzo, Olympia Dukakis recounted 1988 as the “year of the Dukakii,” saying:

“I used to say it was the year of the Dukakii. There certainly was a karmic shadow on that year.”

Kitty Dukakis was also by her husband’s side during his presidential campaign as the Democratic nominee. Michael lost to the Republican candidate and then-Vice President, George H. W. Bush.

The veteran actress passed away in May 2021 at 89, following months-long health struggles. Her brother, Apollo, announced the news via his Facebook account:

“My beloved sister, Olympia Dukakis, passed away this morning in New York City. After many months of failing health she is finally at peace and with her Louis.”

Olympia’s husband and fellow actor, Louis Zorich, died in 2018. The couple was married for 56 years until Louis’ demise, and raised three children together.

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Olympia Dukakis’ in-law and former Massachusetts first lady, Kitty Dukakis, passed away

The mental health activist died on Friday, March 21, at 88. Her son, John Dukakis, told the Associated Press in a statement that Kitty Dukakis was surrounded by her family at the time of her death. The statement reads:

“[Katharine “Kitty” Dukakis] lived a full life fighting to make the world a better place and sharing her vulnerabilities to help others face theirs.”

It continues:

“She was loving, feisty and fun, and had a keen sensitivity to people from all walks of life. She and our dad, Michael Dukakis, shared an enviable partnership for over 60 years and loved each other deeply.”

Kitty was born in a household following Judaism. She was well-known for representing the Jewish people when she was appointed to the US Holocaust Memorial Council by President Jimmy Carter. Acknowledging her activism, current Massachusetts governor Maura Healey described Kitty as a “force for good in public life and behind the scenes.” She issued a statement after Katharine’s passing, saying:

“She [Kitty] was a strong advocate for children, women and refugees, while also taking a leadership role in ensuring that the horrors of the Holocaust are never forgotten.”

Katharine Dukakis was open about her struggles with depression and alcoholism. Healy lauded the late mental health advocate for being an inspiration to everyone to “break down stigma and seek help.” The Massachusetts governor concluded:

“My heart is with Governor Dukakis and their loved ones during this difficult time.”

For those unaware, Kitty Dukakis was first lady of Massachusetts from 1975 to 1979 and 1983 to 1991. She is survived by her husband, Michael, and three children.