Lambros Konstantaras was one of the most important Greek actors in theatre and cinema. He may have excelled in the demanding genre of comedy, but the dramatic roles he played in the theatre were praised by critics.
Early Life and Career:
Lambros Konstantaras was born on March 13, 1913, in Kolonaki, at 13 Ploutarchou Street, as he characteristically emphasised, noting his relationship with the number 13. Son of a goldsmith, he worked close to his father and went to Paris in 1931 to study the art of gold-smithing.
One day, he happened to be playing a comedian in a movie and then in a play directed by the great French playwright, Louis Juve. Enchanted by the lights of the ramp, he decided to make a turn in his life and take up acting.
After working in several theatre groups he formed his own with Jenny Karezi, Maro Kontou and Nikos Rizos, often working together with such actresses as Ellie Lambeti, Aliki Vougiouklaki and others. However, Konstantaras was far better known as a film actor, playing leading roles in more than 80 movies.
Death and Legacy:
In 1969, Konstantaras won the acting award at the Thessaloniki Film Festival for his performance in Vassilis Georgiadis’ film “The Blofatzis.”
He was a great actor, with his original talent being evident in the wide range of roles he played both in cinema and theatre.
The actor passed away on June 28, 1985 in “Asklipieio” of Voula. In the last years of his life he was facing serious health problems due to successive strokes.
Source: San Simera.
