# Katina Paxinou

> Greek actress (1900-1973)

**Wikidata**: [Q230128](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q230128)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katina_Paxinou)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/katina-paxinou

## Summary
Katina Paxinou was a Greek actress renowned for her work in film and theatre. She is best known for her Academy Award-winning performance in the 1943 film *For Whom the Bell Tolls*.

## Biography
- Born: 1900  
- Nationality: Greece  
- Education:  
  - National Theatre of Greece Drama School (enrolled 1930)  
  - Conservatoire de Musique, Geneva  
- Known for: Her Academy Award-winning film performance and work in Greek theatre  
- Employer(s): National Theatre of Greece  
- Field(s): Acting, stage performance, film acting  

## Contributions
Katina Paxinou contributed significantly to both Greek theatre and international cinema. Her portrayal of Pilar in *For Whom the Bell Tolls* (1943) earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her one of the few Greek actresses to win an Oscar. She also had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry. Her work helped elevate the profile of Greek actors on the global stage.

## FAQs
**What is Katina Paxinou known for?**  
Katina Paxinou is best known for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *For Whom the Bell Tolls* (1943). She also had a distinguished career in Greek theatre and was affiliated with the National Theatre of Greece.

**Where did Katina Paxinou study?**  
She studied at the National Theatre of Greece Drama School, which was established in 1930, and also trained at the Conservatoire de Musique in Geneva, a prestigious music institution founded in 1835.

**What awards did Katina Paxinou win?**  
She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1944 for her performance in *For Whom the Bell Tolls*. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**What was her most famous film?**  
Her most famous film was *For Whom the Bell Tolls* (1943), directed by Sam Wood, where she played the role of Pilar.

**Did Katina Paxinou work in theatre?**  
Yes, she was deeply involved with the National Theatre of Greece and performed live on stage, establishing herself as a respected stage actor in addition to her film career.

## Why They Matter
Katina Paxinou's Academy Award win opened doors for Greek actors in Hollywood and demonstrated that Greek talent could achieve international acclaim. Her work in both film and theatre bridged Greek cultural expression with global audiences. She remains a landmark figure in Greek cinema and theatre history, influencing future generations of performers in Greece and beyond.

## Notable For
- Winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1944  
- Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame  
- Acting in *For Whom the Bell Tolls* (1943)  
- Studying at the National Theatre of Greece Drama School  
- Training at the Conservatoire de Musique in Geneva  
- Being a prominent film and stage actor in Greece  

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Katina Paxinou was born in 1900 in Greece. She pursued formal training in dramatic arts, attending the National Theatre of Greece Drama School, which was established in 1930. She also studied at the Conservatoire de Musique in Geneva, a well-regarded institution founded in 1835, where she likely honed her craft in performance.

### Career in Theatre and Film
Paxinou became a prominent figure in Greek theatre, working with the National Theatre of Greece and establishing herself as a skilled stage actor. Her transition to film led to international recognition. In 1943, she starred as Pilar in the film *For Whom the Bell Tolls*, directed by Sam Wood. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1944, making her one of the few Greek actresses to receive such an honor.

### Awards and Recognition
In 1944, Katina Paxinou was awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *For Whom the Bell Tolls*. This accolade placed her among the elite in Hollywood. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, further cementing her status in the global entertainment industry.

### Legacy and Influence
Paxinou's work had a lasting impact on Greek cinema and theatre. Her international success helped pave the way for future Greek actors in Hollywood. She demonstrated that Greek performers could achieve global recognition, influencing the cultural exchange between Greece and the international film community.

### Career Timeline
- 1928: Career start  
- 1930: Enrolled at National Theatre of Greece Drama School  
- 1943: Starred in *For Whom the Bell Tolls*  
- 1944: Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress  
- 1970: Career end  
- 1973: Passed away  

Her work period spanned from 1928 to 1970, during which she contributed significantly to both stage and screen. Her legacy endures as a pioneering figure in Greek acting and international cinema.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. [Nα γιατί η Κατίνα Παξινού είναι μια μεγάλη Ελληνίδα ηθοποιός. LiFO. 2014](https://www.lifo.gr/san-simera/na-giati-i-katina-paxinoy-einai-mia-megali-ellinida-ithopoios)
3. Find a Grave
4. [Κατίνα Παξινού: Η μεγάλη Ελληνίδα ηθοποιός. Athens Voice. 2023](https://www.athensvoice.gr/politismos/theatro-opera/790214/katina-paxinou-mia-megali-ellinida-ithopoios/)
5. [Dick Clark Productions](https://goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees/?y=1944)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. SNAC
9. Internet Broadway Database
10. Discogs
11. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katina-Paxinou)
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Integrated Authority File
14. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data