Melina Mercouri: Greek actress and political activist

·

By Georgene Dilernia

Melina Mercouri is one of the greatest female figures in Greece from the 20th century. Known for her vibrant and vivid personality, Mercouri achieved many feats during her time in film, theatre and politics, gaining international fame from all the work she had completed.

Personal Life:

Maria-Amalia (Melina) Mercouri was born in Athens on October 18, 1920, to a prominent political family. She was the daughter of Eirlin Lappa, who came from a wealthy family, and the politician, Stamatis Mercouri (1895-1967).

Mercouri during her acting career career. Photo: greeknewsagenda.gr

After completing her secondary education, she attended the National Theatre’s Drama School of Greece, graduating in 1944.

In 1939, Mercouri married Panos Harokopos and got divorced in 1962. Then in 1966, she married Jules Dassin, and stayed with him until her death.

Acting career:

Her first major role, at the age of 20, was Lavina in Eugene O’Neill’s Mourning Becomes Electra, but perhaps her most memorable parts were Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire and the good-hearted prostitute in film Never on Sunday (1960).

After her first major international success, Mercouri went on to star in Phaedra (1962), for which she was nominated again for the BAFTA Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture Drama.

The recognition of her acting talent did not stop though, as her role in Topkapi (1964) granted for another nomination, this time for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture in Musical or Comedy.

Mercouri’s last performance on stage was in the opera Pylades at the Athens Concert Hall in 1992, portraying Clytemnestra.

Political career:

Mercouri’s political involvement began when she voiced against the Greek junta and started an international campaign, travelling around the world to inform the public and contribute to the isolation and fall of the colonels.

As a result, the dictatorial regime revoked her Greek citizenship and confiscated her property.

Mercouri during her political career. Photo: greeknewsagenda.gr

After the fall of Junta, she was one of the founding members of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), a centre-left political party.

She was continuously elected Member of Parliament from 1977 until her death in 1994. She served as Minister of Culture and championed proudly for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

READ MORE: On This Day: Melina Mercouri calls for the Parthenon Marbles to be returned to Greece.

greek film festival 2025

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Amanatidis, Valkanis named on Subway Young Socceroos squad for Panda Cup

Nathan Amanatidis and Dimitri Valkanis have been named on Subway Young Socceroos squad for the Panda Cup in China.

No children left on famous Greek island of Antikythera

Giorgos Harhalakis, is determined to revive the small Aegean island of Antikythera despite its depopulation challenges.

Eleftheria Arvanitaki: ‘Whenever I see Greeks abroad there is emotion’

Eleftheria Arvanitaki visited the Greek Centre in Melbourne today ahead of her performance at the Greek Community of Melbourne's Grecian Ball