Monica Vasileiou

Monica Vassiliou was an American actress known for her roles in “Eleftheria,” “I zoi einai oraia,” and “To neron tou Dropi.” She was born in Greece on the island of Mytilene in 1936.

Personal and Family Life

Monica Vassiliou was born into a family with notable connections; her brother, George Vassiliou, served as the president of Cyprus from 1987 to 1992. She pursued her passion for drama, studying at the Ostrovski Institute in the former Soviet Union before specializing in children’s theatre in Paris, France. Over her career, she performed in various cities including Moscow, London, Athens, and Nicosia.

Theatrical Contributions

Monica Vassiliou made history as the first actress to perform nude on the Greek stage, portraying Lady Chatterley in a theatrical adaptation of D.H. Lawrence’s “Lady Chatterley’s Lover.” She returned to acting after a battle with cancer of the vocal cords, continuing to perform in both theatre and television and occasionally took on directing roles as well.

Death and Legacy

Monica Vassiliou passed away on April 8, 2011, in Nicosia, Cyprus, due to cancer. Her contributions to theatre and television have left a lasting impact and she is remembered for both her groundbreaking performances and her resilience in the face of illness.

Filmography