The acclaimed Greek actress Melpo Zarokosta has passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a rich legacy that spanned the legendary 1960s and ’70s era of Hellenic cinema and theater.
A global education
Born in Piraeus, Zarokosta’s life was defined by its international scope. At 14, she moved with her family to Alexandria, Egypt, before eventually settling in Australia. Her artistic foundations were laid at the University of Sydney, where she studied theater, followed by specialized training in directing and screenwriting at Canendale’s School of Radio Studies.
Her talent was recognized early on by the international press. During her time in Sydney, her performance in Lace on Her Petticoat at the Metropolitan Theatre was hailed as “exceptional” by the French-language Le Courrier Australien. The Sydney Morning Herald went further, describing her as a “sensitive young actress with a rare gift of passion.” Her early repertoire was diverse, ranging from Shakespeare’s Miranda in The Tempest to Jean Anouilh’s Antigone.
Melpo Zarokosta: The return to Greece and the silver screen
After a brief stint in London working as a translator and radio scriptwriter, Zarokosta returned to Greece in 1958. Her return marked the beginning of a lifelong collaboration with the stars of Greek theater, starting with Lambros Konstantaras.
However, it was film that turned her into a household name. Introduced to the legendary producer Philochaemen Finos by director Dinos Katsouridis, she made her debut in the unforgettable comedy Maiden’s Cheek (To Xylo Vgiike apo ton Paradeiso). Her refined charm and sophisticated beauty quickly established her as a staple of Finos Film, appearing in classics such as:
- The Villa of Orgies (1964)
- There is Also Filotimo (1965)
- My Wife Has Gone Mad (1966)
- Aliki the Dictator (1972)
Her final film appearance was in the 2006 film Five Minutes More, though she continued to work internationally, notably starring in the 2012 Turkish production Strangers in the House.
A prolific writer and activist
Beyond her acting, Zarokosta was a trailblazing intellectual. In 1960, she became the first female member of the Society of Greek Playwrights. She translated over 150 works and authored several successful plays, including Women’s Tutorial and Erotokavglades. Her screenplay for The Mutiny of the Ten earned a prestigious award at the 11th Thessaloniki Film Festival.
Her contributions extended to industry leadership, serving as a founding member of The Actor’s House (To Spiti tou Ithopoiou) and holding various board positions in director and lyricist societies. In 1990, her lyrical talent gained international recognition when her song “O Paliatsos” (“The Clown”) won first prize at the Lisbon International Festival.
Zarokosta was married twice: first to pianist Andreas Diamantidis in Australia and later to the Greek actor and director Victor Pagoulatos, with whom she had a son, Alexander.
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