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Katina Paxinou

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File:KatinaPaxinou.jpg
Katina Paxinou

Katina Paxinou (17 December, 1900 - 22 February, 1973) was an Academy Award-winning Greek film and theatre actress.

Career

Born Ekaterini Konstantopoulou in Pireas, she trained as an opera singer but changed career and joined the Greek Royal Theater in 1929. Paxinou distinguished herself on the stage. When World War II broke out she was performing in London and unable to return to Greece so she emigrated to the United States.

She was selected to play "Pilar" in the 1943 film For Whom the Bell Tolls, winning an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. She continued appearing in Hollywood films until 1949.

Returning to Greece in 1950, Paxinou resumed her stage career. She formed the Royal Theatre of Athens with Alexis Minotis, her principal director and her husband since 1940.

She continued to accept occasional film roles until her death from cancer in Athens, Greece in 1973 at the age of 72. She was survived by her husband, and her two children from her first marriage.

Filmography

Preceded by Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
1943
for For Whom the Bell Tolls
Succeeded by