Actress Maro Kontou, one of the ultimate symbols of the “Golden Age” of Greek cinema, died today in Athens. She was 92.
She had been facing health issues recently and was hospitalized a month ago at ‘Attikon’ Hospital with a respiratory condition. In recent days, she was being treated at ‘Agios Savvas’ Hospital.
Born Marianthi Kontou on June 21, 1934, in the Koukaki neighborhood of Athens, she grew up to become a star. Possessing a natural elegance, sharp wit, and exceptional versatility, she effortlessly captured the hearts of generations of Greeks.
The artistic journey of Maro Kontou
Kontou’s career began in 1954 in the ancient tragedy dance troupe of the National Theatre of Greece, where she performed until 1958. She quickly transitioned to the silver screen, making her film debut in 1954. Over a prolific career spanning several decades, she starred in 61 feature films and appeared in 90 theatrical plays, ranging from modern Greek comedies to classic world literature.
She is perhaps best known for her unforgettable pairings with major leading men of Greek cinema, most notably Lambros Konstantaras and Giorgos Konstantinou.
Some of her most legendary films include:
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- Woe to the Young (1961)
- The Yellow Gloves (1960)
- The Lady Driver (I Soferina) (1964)
- And the Wife Shall Revere Her Husband (1965), where she played the iconic role of Eleni Kokovikou (“Elenitsa”), a performance that remains a staple of Greek pop culture.
- What If (An…) (2012), Christophoros Papakaliatis’ romantic drama where she and Giorgos Konstantinou beautifully reprised their dynamic decades later.
Political career and multi-talented spirit
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Maro Kontou was a deeply civically engaged individual. She successfully transitioned into politics, serving first as a member of the Athens City Council. She later advanced to national politics, serving as a Member of the Hellenic Parliament representing the Athens A constituency with the New Democracy party across multiple terms between 1999 and 2007.
In addition to acting and politics, she has also expressed her creativity over the years through painting.
Personal life
In her personal life, Kontou was married twice: first to the well-known Finos Film director of photography, Aristeidis Karydis-Fuchs, and later to the publicist Giorgos Doxas. She has frequently spoken in interviews with great honesty and philosophy about her life choices, her romances, and her independence.
As a living legend of the screen and stage, Finos Film honored her legacy, describing her as an “actress-symbol of Greek cinema who, with her brio, talent, and unsurpassed charm, entered our hearts for good.”
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