Lili Darvas was an American actress, best known for her roles in “Meet Me in Las Vegas,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Waltz of the Toreadors.” Born on April 10, 1902, in Budapest, Austria-Hungary, she became a prominent figure in theater and film after immigrating to the United States in 1938.
Personal and Family Life
Lili Darvas was of Jewish descent and married playwright Ferenc Molnár in 1926. The couple, who had a happy but childless marriage, shared a deep connection through her husband’s writings, with Molnár crafting several plays for her. They remained together until his death in 1952. Darvas faced challenges adapting to her new life in America, but she persevered and eventually gained American citizenship in 1944.
Career
Darvas began her acting career in Budapest and later gained fame in Europe as part of Max Reinhardt’s theater company. She made her Broadway debut in 1927, portraying Titania in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Throughout her three-decade career in New York, she received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in Lorraine Hansberry’s “Les Blancs.” Known for her extraordinary range, she was often cast in roles that highlighted her captivating presence.
Death and Legacy
Lili Darvas passed away on July 22, 1974, in New York City. Her talent was remembered by theater critic Harold Clurman, who praised her unique ability to infuse her performances with depth and vibrancy. Darvas left behind a legacy as one of the leading actresses of her time, known for her work on both stage and screen.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Cimarron | 1960-12-01 | Felicia Venable |
| Meet Me in Las Vegas | 1956-03-09 | Sari Hatvany |
| Szerelem | 1971-01-21 | The old woman |
| Camille | 1926-01-01 | Queenie |
| 24 Hours in a Woman’s Life | 1961-03-20 | Louise |
| Tagebuch der Geliebten | 1935-10-03 | Maria Baschkirtzeff |
| The Twilight Zone | 1959-10-02 | Grandma Bayles |
| Saints and Sinners | 1962-09-17 | Minna Foss |