Alexis Minotis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexis Minotis
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![]() Alexis Minotis in The Chase
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Born |
Alexandros Minotakis
8 August 1900 Chania, Cretan State
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Died | 11 November 1990 Athens, Greece
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(aged 90)
Resting place | First Cemetery of Athens |
Other names | Alexis Minotis |
Occupation | Actor and stage director |
Spouse(s) |
Alexis Minotis was a famous Greek actor and director. He was born on August 8, 1900, as Alexandros Minotakis. He passed away on November 11, 1990. Minotis became well-known for his amazing acting skills and for directing many plays, especially ancient Greek tragedies.
Contents
Early Life and Stage Career
Alexis Minotis started his acting journey in his home, Crete. His first roles were in ancient Greek plays. He played the Chorus Leader and a Messenger in Oedipus Tyrannus by Sophocles.
From 1925 to 1930, he worked closely with Marika Kotopouli, another famous Greek actress. During this time, he took on big roles in plays by William Shakespeare. He starred in The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, and Macbeth. He also played the main character in Hamlet, which was the first time this play was performed in Greece.
Minotis also acted in other classic plays. These included Ghosts and Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen. He also started directing plays. He directed ancient Greek tragedies like Hecuba and Antigone. He also directed modern plays such as Juno and the Paycock and Mother Courage.
Working with Katina Paxinou
In 1940, Alexis Minotis married the talented actress Katina Paxinou. They worked together on many plays. They performed at the National Theatre of Greece in Athens. This theatre was started in 1930 by the Minister of Education, Georgios Papandreou.
Hollywood Films
In 1946, Minotis traveled to Hollywood in the United States. He appeared in the movie Notorious, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. He acted alongside famous stars like Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.
In the same year, he was also in the film The Chase. He later appeared in other movies:
- Siren of Atlantis (1949)
- Land of the Pharaohs (1955) with Joan Collins
- Boy on a Dolphin (1957) with Sophia Loren
Directing and International Tours
In 1955, Minotis directed Katina Paxinou in Hecuba at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. He also starred in and directed Oedipus Rex. In 1956, he performed in Oedipus at Colonus. This play was very successful. Minotis and his theatre company went on a long tour around the world.
He also performed on Broadway in New York City. He was in Electra in 1930-31. Later, in 1952, he performed in Oedipus Tyrannus with the National Theatre of Greece.
In 1958, Minotis directed the famous opera singer Maria Callas. He directed her in an opera called Medea in Dallas. This production was also shown in London, Milan, and Epidaurus. He also directed Callas in the opera Norma in Epidaurus in 1960.
Filmography
Alexis Minotis acted in several films throughout his career. Here are some of them:
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1930 | Gia tin agapi tis | ||
1946 | Notorious | Joseph, Sebastian's butler | |
1946 | The Chase | Lt. Acosta | |
1949 | Siren of Atlantis | Cortot | |
1950 | Panic in the Streets | John Mefaris - Restaurant Owner | Uncredited |
1955 | Land of the Pharaohs | Hamar, the High Priest | |
1957 | Boy on a Dolphin | Milidias Nadapoulos |
See Also
In Spanish: Alexis Minotís para niños