Melina Mercouri Biography

Maria Amalia Mercouri was born in Athens, Greece in 1920 to former cavalry officer and member of parliament Stamatis Mercouris and his wife Eirini Lappa. When she completed her secondary education, she attended the National Theatre's Drama School. She graduated in 1944.

At the age of 21 she married wealthy landowner Panos Harokopos, and they stayed together until 1962 when they divorced.

However, it was not until she turned 40 that she really found fame for her role in 'Ever on Sunday (Pote tin Kyriaki)' (1960), which was directed by her eventual husband Jules Dassin. Her performance earned her the Cannes prize as well as an Oscar and a BAFTA nomination.

In 1962, she starred in the classic tragedy, 'Phaedra', alongside Anthony Perkins. Although it flopped in the United States, its popularity in many European countries propelled Perkins on to the international stage.

She also appeared in 'Chicago, Chicago' (1969), 'Promise at Dawn' (1970), 'The Rehearsal' (1974), 'Once is Not Enough' (1975) and 'A Dream of Passion' (1978).

Melina married Dassin in 1966 and they remained together until her death in 1994.
During the period of dictatorship in Greece from 1967 to 1974, Mercouri lived in France.

During those years she recorded four records in France, one with Greek lyrics and the other three with French lyrics, all created by Greek musicians. Her records included 'Athenes Ma Ville', 'Melinaki' and 'Feggari mou, Agapi mou'.

She also joined the struggle against the Greek Military Junta during this period, travelling all over the world to inform the public and contribute to the fall of the colonels. The regime revoked her Greek citizenship and confiscated her land.

There was an assassination attempt against Mercouri in Italy but this didn't stop her from taking part in interviews, concerts and speeches against the regime around the globe.

Politically conscious, she was elected to the Greek Parliament in 1977. She would later become the first woman to hold a senior cabinet post when she accepted the role of Minister of Culture. One of her greatest achievements in this role was the establishment of the European Capital of Culture, with Athens being the first city to hold the post in 1985. This title still exists.

Melina Mercouri died of lung cancer in New York on 6 March 1994.