Michael Dukakis was born on March 3, 1933 in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the son of Greek immigrants, with his father immigrating to the United States from Lesbos and his mother from Peloponnese. Dukakis grew up in a close-knit Greek-American community in Brookline, where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance from a young age.
He attended public schools in Brookline before going on to study at Swarthmore College, where he graduated in 1955. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dukakis went on to earn his law degree from Harvard University's prestigious Law School in 1960.
After graduating from law school, Dukakis began his career in public service. He served in the United States Army as a member of the military police from 1955 to 1957. Following his military service, he entered private law practice before launching his political career.
In 1962, Dukakis was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served for two terms. He later went on to serve as the Governor of Massachusetts from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1983 to 1991, making him the longest-serving governor in the state's history.
In 1988, Dukakis won the Democratic nomination for President and faced off against Vice President George H. W. Bush in the general election. Despite being ahead in the polls at the start of the campaign, Dukakis ultimately lost to Bush in a landslide defeat.
Throughout the campaign, Dukakis faced criticism for his handling of various issues, including crime and the economy. His opponents also attacked him for his liberal policies and perceived lack of toughness on foreign policy.
After his defeat in the 1988 Presidential election, Dukakis returned to Massachusetts and continued to be involved in public service. He taught at various universities, including Northeastern University and the University of California, Los Angeles, and remained active in Democratic politics.
Michael Dukakis is married to Kitty Dukakis and has three children. He also has a famous cousin, Olympia Dukakis, who is a successful actress known for her roles in films like "Moonstruck" and "Steel Magnolias."
Today, Dukakis is remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the citizens of Massachusetts. His legacy as a compassionate and hardworking leader continues to inspire others in the world of politics.