Maro Kontou: Greek actress dies at 92 after serious health decline

Acclaimed Greek actress Maro Kontou has died at the age of 92 after a significant deterioration in her health. She passed away at the "Agios Savvas" hospital in Athens on July 15, 2026, despite recent discharge from another hospital. Her death has cast a pall over the Greek arts community, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

A medical announcement from the "Agios Savvas" Anti-Cancer Oncological Hospital confirmed her passing, stating that she died after her condition worsened despite the strenuous efforts of the medical team. "With deepest sorrow, we announce that today, 15-07-2026, in the morning hours, the well-known actress Mariantheni (Maro) Kontou passed away at the General Anti-Cancer Oncological Hospital of Athens 'THE AGHIOS SAVVAS' after a serious deterioration of her health condition and despite the persistent efforts of the treating physicians. We express our sincere condolences to her loved ones," read the statement signed by the hospital's President and Administrator, Christos Fasianos.

Born in Koukaki on June 21, 1934, Kontou was a multifaceted personality with a distinguished artistic and political career. Her passing marks the end of a luminous chapter in the golden age of Greek cinema and theater. She was often seen as the embodiment of urban elegance, ethos, and nobility, captivating generations of audiences.

Kontou's artistic journey began with dance, studying at the State Dance School and earning a scholarship to the renowned HLADEK school in Germany. She also pursued studies in Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her theater career commenced in 1954 at the National Theatre, and her debut in independent theater was in 1959. Over her career, she appeared in over 90 theater productions and more than 60 films. Her role as Elenitsa in the 1965 film "The Wife Must Fear Her Husband" is considered one of the most iconic in Greek cinema history.

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With deepest sorrow, we announce that today, 15-07-2026, in the morning hours, the well-known actress Mariantheni (Maro) Kontou passed away at the General Anti-Cancer Oncological Hospital of Athens 'THE AGHIOS SAVVAS' after a serious deterioration of her health condition and despite the persistent efforts of the treating physicians. We express our sincere condolences to her loved ones.