Acropolis Now: Mary Coustas as Effie

This publicity photograph perfectly encapsulates the irrepressible attitude of Efthimia Francesca Stephanidis, or 'Effie', who was actor Mary Coustas' creation for Acropolis Now (1989–92). The big-haired Greek chick was so iconic, her catchphrases fell into common usage: ‘How embarrassment!’, ‘Hello, good thanks’ and ‘Has anyone seen my cousin Jim?’ Coustas’ spirited and hilarious second-gen Greek Australian delivery was part of the charm that propelled this character onto the pop culture stage. Acropolis Now was an Australian sitcom on the Seven Network that marked a major step forward in terms of representation of Australian cultural diversity on television. The series followed the antics of immature cafe owner Jim Stefanidis (Nick Giannopoulos), his waitstaff and his cousin Effie (Coustas).