Melina Mercouri Quotes

A collection of quotes by Melina Mercouri.

Melina Mercouri was a Greek actress, singer, and politician, born on October 18, 1920, in Athens, Greece. She first gained international recognition for her performances in Greek films during the 1950s and 1960s. Mercouri was known for her distinctive voice and powerful presence on screen. She achieved critical acclaim for her roles in popular movies like "Never on Sunday" (1960), for which she received a Best Actress nomination at the Academy Awards.

Outside of her acting career, Mercouri was highly involved in politics and became a prominent figure within the Greek political landscape. She strongly advocated for the restoration of the Parthenon Marbles, ancient Greek sculptures that were taken by the British Empire in the 19th century and housed at the British Museum in London. Mercouri presented her case to various international forums and relentlessly campaigned for their return to Greece.

In 1977, she entered politics and was elected as a member of the Greek Parliament, representing the Panhellenic Socialist Movement. Mercouri served as the Minister of Culture and Sciences in Greece from 1981 to 1989, focusing her efforts on arts, culture, and heritage preservation.

Melina Mercouri passed away on March 6, 1994, in New York City, United States. She left behind a lasting legacy as both a talented actress and a passionate advocate for her country's cultural heritage.