Ellie Lambeti

Ellie Lambeti was a Greek American actress who is best known for her performances in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “Children of a Lesser God,” and various Greek films. She was born on April 13, 1926, in Villia Attikis, Greece, and became a prominent figure in theatre and film.

Personal and Family Life

Ellie Lambeti was married twice, first to Marios Ploritis from 1950 to 1953 and then to Frederic Wakeman from 1959 until their divorce in 1976. She had a significant romantic relationship with Dimitris Horn from 1953 to 1958. Ellie had a tragic family history, losing several sisters to cancer and a car accident, with only one sister, ironically named Antigone, surviving her. She studied at Marika Kotopouli’s drama school and began her theatre career in the late 1940s.

Career Highlights

Ellie’s theatre career took off with notable performances in plays such as “Blood Wedding” and “The Glass Menagerie.” In the 1960s, she created her own theatre group, where she delivered unforgettable performances, including a role as Blanche du Bois in “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Although she was diagnosed with cancer in 1967, she continued to perform on stage until 1982. Her final role was as Sarah in the play “Children of a Lesser God,” where she performed despite having lost her voice to the disease.

Death and Legacy

Ellie Lambeti passed away on September 3, 1983, in New York City due to throat cancer. Her last appearance on stage was a poignant reflection of her struggle with the illness. Thirteen years after her death, her biography by Freddie Germanos became a bestseller, showcasing her impact on the world of acting and her lasting legacy in theatre and film.

Filmography