# Melina Mercouri

> Greek actress, singer and politician. Minister of Culture of Greece (1920–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q228611](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q228611)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melina_Mercouri)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/melina-mercouri

## Summary
Melina Mercouri was a Greek actress, singer, and politician who served as Minister of Culture of Greece from 1920 to 1994. She was a prominent figure in Greek theater, film, and political life, known for her contributions to the arts and her advocacy for cultural preservation.

## Biography
- Born: October 18, 1920
- Nationality: Greek
- Education: Attended the National Theatre of Greece Drama School
- Known for: Acting in theater, film, and television; singing; and serving as a politician
- Employer(s): National Theatre of Greece Drama School, various film and theater productions
- Field(s): Acting, singing, politics

## Contributions
- Served as Minister of Culture of Greece from 1920 to 1994, overseeing cultural policies and preservation efforts.
- Performed in numerous theater productions, including stage acting and live performances.
- Appeared in films and television, contributing to Greek cinema and television arts.
- Advocated for cultural heritage and the arts through political and public engagement.

## FAQs
### What was Melina Mercouri's primary occupation?
Melina Mercouri was primarily an actress, singer, and politician. She worked in theater, film, and television, and served as Minister of Culture of Greece.

### Where was Melina Mercouri educated?
Melina Mercouri attended the National Theatre of Greece Drama School, which trained her in acting and performance arts.

### What awards did Melina Mercouri receive?
Melina Mercouri received the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress and the Europe Theatre Prize for her contributions to the arts.

### What was Melina Mercouri's role in Greek politics?
Melina Mercouri served as Minister of Culture of Greece from 1920 to 1994, where she oversaw cultural policies and preservation efforts.

## Why They Matter
Melina Mercouri's work in the arts and politics significantly influenced Greek culture and the broader Mediterranean region. Her advocacy for cultural heritage and her contributions to theater, film, and television left a lasting impact on Greek entertainment and political discourse. Her leadership in cultural policy helped shape the country's artistic and historical legacy.

## Notable For
- Served as Minister of Culture of Greece for over 70 years, one of the longest-serving ministers in the country's history.
- Won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her role in *Topaze*.
- Received the Europe Theatre Prize for her contributions to theater and the arts.
- Affiliated with the National Theatre of Greece Drama School, where she trained and performed.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Melina Mercouri was born on October 18, 1920, in Greece. She attended the National Theatre of Greece Drama School, where she honed her skills in acting and performance arts.

### Career in Acting and Singing
Melina Mercouri began her career in theater, performing in numerous stage productions. She also appeared in films and television, contributing to Greek cinema and television arts. Her singing career included performances in various genres, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

### Political Career
Melina Mercouri entered politics and served as Minister of Culture of Greece from 1920 to 1994. In this role, she oversaw cultural policies and preservation efforts, advocating for the arts and cultural heritage. Her long tenure as Minister of Culture made her one of the most influential figures in Greek political and cultural history.

### Awards and Recognition
Melina Mercouri received the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her role in *Topaze*. She also won the Europe Theatre Prize for her contributions to theater and the arts. These awards recognized her significant impact on the entertainment and cultural industries.

### Legacy
Melina Mercouri's legacy includes her contributions to Greek theater, film, and politics. Her advocacy for cultural preservation and her long-standing role as Minister of Culture have left a lasting impact on Greek society and the broader Mediterranean region. Her work continues to inspire artists and policymakers in the arts and cultural heritage.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/375774/Melina-Mercouri)
3. [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/07/obituaries/melina-mercouri-actress-and-politician-is-dead.html)
4. BnF authorities
5. Hellenic Parliament
6. pace.coe.int
7. Find a Grave
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Source](https://elpais.com/diario/1994/03/06/cultura/762908402_850215.html)
10. IMDb
11. Roglo
12. Babelio
13. Internet Broadway Database
14. FemBio database
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. Virtual International Authority File
17. BBC Things
18. The Movie Database
19. LIBRIS. 2017
20. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data