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Biography of Melina Mercouri

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Melina Mercouri at the Parthenon

Melina Mercouri (1920 - 1994) was a Greek actress. She became well-known to people all over the world when she took part as the leading actress in the film “Never on Sunday”. For her role in “Never on Sunday”, Melina was nominated for an Academy Award. She also took part in other films such as "Gaily Gaily", "Topkapi" and "Phaedra".

During the period of dictatorship in Greece from 1967 - 1974, Melina lived in France. When democracy was reinstated, she returned, and became first a member of the Parliament and then Minister of Culture. In 1971 she wrote her autobiography “I was a Greek”. 

Check that you understand what these words mean in this document
Leading: most important.
To nominate: to propose (for an Oscar).
To reinstate: to bring back.