Beloved Greek actress Maro Kontou, one of the defining stars of the golden age of Greek cinema, has died at the age of 92.
Kontou leaves behind an extraordinary artistic legacy spanning more than seven decades, with unforgettable performances in film, theatre and television that made her one of Greece’s most cherished performers.
The acclaimed actress had recently been hospitalised, and despite medical efforts, her health deteriorated.
A star of Greece’s golden cinema era
Born Marianthi “Maro” Kontou on 21 June 1934 in the Athens neighbourhood of Koukaki, she traced her family roots to the island of Psara. After losing her father at a young age, she was raised by her mother and grandmother.
Her passion for the arts emerged early. She studied dance at what is now the State School of Dance before continuing her education in Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at the University of Athens.
Kontou began her professional career in 1954 as a member of the National Theatre’s Ancient Drama Chorus, where she remained until 1958. The following year she made her theatrical debut alongside the legendary Dimitris Horn in Jacques Deval’s Romancero.
Her breakthrough in cinema came in 1960 with the Finos Film classic The Yellow Gloves, a role that immediately established her as one of the country’s brightest young stars.
More than 60 films
During a career that spanned decades, Kontou appeared in more than 60 feature films and numerous stage productions, working alongside many of the biggest names in Greek entertainment.
She starred with Dinos Iliopoulos in the beloved comedy My Friend Lefterakis (1963), portrayed Ismene in Antigone (1961), and became part of one of Greek cinema’s most iconic screen pairings with George Konstantinou in A Woman Afraid of Her Husband, where the famous “Kokovikos” couple became part of popular culture.
She also enjoyed a long-running on-screen partnership with Lambros Konstantaras, appearing together in 13 films, including The Old Man, The Squirrel Who Became a Lamb and Too Bad for Your Boy.
Her final Finos Film production was An Italian Woman from Kypseli (1968), opposite Alekos Alexandrakis.
Television, art and public service
Kontou also built a successful television career, appearing in popular series including Luna Park, Crime in Psychiko, An Incredible Grandma, All Four Were Wonderful and, in later years, The Land of Olives.
Away from acting, she was an accomplished painter. She held a solo exhibition in 1993, and her works are included in the collection of the Vorres Museum.
She also entered public life, serving as a New Democracy MP for Athens’ 1st electoral district and later as an Athens city councillor from 1994 to 2002.
During her public service, she also served as president of Athens municipal radio station Athens 9.84 and chaired the MITERA Infant Centre.
A lasting legacy
Maro Kontou’s career helped define modern Greek cinema and theatre. Through her talent, elegance and enduring screen presence, she became one of Greece’s most recognisable actresses and remained beloved by generations of audiences.
Her passing marks the end of an era for Greek culture, but her performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
