Dimitra Arliss was an American actress who is best known for her roles in The Sting, Xanadu, and Bless the Child. Born on October 23, 1932, in Lorain, Ohio, she became notable in the late 1960s for her stage work and later transitioned to film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Dimitra Arliss, born Dimitra Steris, was a Greek American actress who spoke Greek fluently. She began her acting career at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and gained recognition for her performance in the Broadway play “Indians.” She frequently portrayed ethnic characters, particularly in Mafia-themed movies, throughout her career.
Career Highlights
Arliss made a substantial impact on screen after appearing in several notable films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, such as The Sting (1973) and Xanadu (1980). Her role as Dahnya in Bless the Child (2000) is particularly remembered by horror film fans. She continued acting until her passing in 2012.
Death and Legacy
Dimitra Arliss passed away on January 26, 2012, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from a stroke. She died at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital at the age of 79. Her contributions to film and theater remain appreciated, particularly for the ethnic diversity she brought to her roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Firefox | 1982-06-18 | Natalia |
| Bless the Child | 2000-08-11 | Dahnya |
| The Sting | 1973-12-25 | Loretta |
| Murder in Texas | 1981-05-03 | Gina Meier |
| Xanadu | 1980-08-08 | Helen |
| The Fall of the House of Usher | 1979-10-01 | Madeline Usher |
| It’s My Party | 1996-03-22 | Fanny Kondos |
| Eleni | 1985-11-01 | Ana (Czechoslovakia) |
| The Other Side of Midnight | 1977-06-08 | Sister Theresa |
| The Ski Bum | 1971-01-08 | Liz Stone |
| Death Scream | 1975-09-26 | Mrs. Kosinsky |
| A Perfect Couple | 1979-04-06 | Athena |
| The Disappearance of Christina | 1993-01-01 | Gallery Owner |
| This Is the West That Was | 1974-12-17 | Ida May |
| Bella Mafia | 1997-11-16 | Mrs. Scorpio |
| The Art of Crime | 1975-12-03 | Madame Vera |
| The Art of ‘The Sting’ | 2005-09-06 | Self |
| The Pirate | 1978-11-21 | Nabilia |
| Onassis: The Richest Man in the World | 1988-05-01 | Artemis |
| Spider-Man | 1994-11-19 | Anastasia Hardy (voice) |
| Mannix | 1967-09-16 | |
| Quincy, M.E. | 1976-10-03 | Shirley |
| The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries | 1977-01-30 | |
| Kojak | 1973-10-24 | Sherry Kaufman |
| Joe and Sons | 1975-04-18 | |
| Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones | 1980-04-15 | Sister Fleming |
| Dallas | 1978-04-02 | Hatton |
| Iron Man | 1994-09-24 | Armor Computer Voice (voice) |
| Iron Man | 1994-09-24 | Computer Voice (voice) |
| Rich Man, Poor Man – Book II | 1976-09-21 | Maria Falconetti |
| Civil Wars | 1991-11-20 | |
| Murder in Texas | 1981-05-03 | Gina Meier |