Melina mercouri children

1. Melina Mercouri: A Legacy of Art, Politics, and Activism
2. Acting Career
3. Political Involvement
4. Marriage and Personal Life
5. Later Years and Legacy

Melina Mercouri: A Legacy of Art, Politics, and Activism

Melina Mercouri was born on October 18, 1920, in Athens, Greece. Her family held influential positions in Greek society. Her grandfather, Spiros Mercouris, served as mayor of Athens for several decades. Her father was a parliament member, and her uncle, George Mercouris, led the Greek National Socialist Party during the Nazi occupation.

Acting Career

Mercouri began her acting career in 1955 with the film "Stella," directed by Michael Cacoyannis. Her performance in Cacoyannis's "Never on Sunday" (1960) earned her international recognition and an Academy Award nomination. She starred in several other notable films, including "Topkapi" (1964) and "1001 Nights" (1990).

Political Involvement

In addition to her acting career, Mercouri was an active political activist. She was elected to the Greek Parliament in 1974 and served as Minister of Culture from 1981 to 1989. She became the first woman to hold this position in Greece.

Marriage and Personal Life

Mercouri married Panadis Harocopos, a wealthy landowner, but their marriage ended in divorce. She later met director Jules Dassin in Cannes, and they lived together until her death. The couple did not have any children.

Later Years and Legacy

Mercouri continued her political and artistic work until her death from lung cancer in 1994. She was buried in Athens, Greece. Mercouri's legacy as an actress, politician, and activist continues to inspire generations of Greeks and people around the world.