Zina d’Harcourt was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Maya,” “The Merry Widow,” and “Les révoltés du Danaé.” She was originally named Zinaida Rachevsky and transformed into a Buddhist nun later in life.
Personal and Family Life
Zina d’Harcourt was born on September 1, 1930, in New York City to Vladimir Rachevsky and Harriet Strauss. She had a brief marriage to Count Bernard d’Harcourt, which ended in divorce after just two years. Later, she married director Conrad Rooks in 1959, with whom she had two children, including a son named Alexander.
Career
She began her acting career in Hollywood, taking drama and acting lessons. Zina made her film debut in “Maya” in 1949 and participated in various films and TV shows throughout her career. Notable credits include roles in “Cuore di spia,” “Riviera,” and multiple other productions.
Death and Legacy
Zina d’Harcourt passed away in July 1973 in Nepal under tragic circumstances, reportedly due to either peritonitis or accidentally consuming a poisonous plant. She spent her final days as a Buddhist nun, and her ashes were scattered after cremation at the Thubten Choling Monastery, where she died at the age of 42.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Maya | Petit rôle (uncredited) |
| 1952 | The Merry Widow | Girl at Maxim’s (uncredited) |
| 1952 | Les révoltés du Danaé | Danaé Handson |
| 1953 | Madonna delle rose | Irene Giglio |
| 1954 | Riviera | La ‘contessa azzurra’ |
| 1955 | Ça va barder | Rosa (1 episode) |
| 1956 | Soupçons | Dora Dalba – une strip-teaseuse |