How to Pronounce Melina Mercouri

Meaning and Context

Melina Mercouri, born Maria Amalia Mercouri on October 18, 1920, was a luminary of Greek cinema and a formidable political force. She catapulted to international stardom with her iconic, Oscar-nominated performance as the vivacious prostitute Ilya in the 1960 film Never on Sunday, a role that became synonymous with her passionate and charismatic persona. Her career as a celebrated actress seamlessly transitioned into a profound political commitment following the fall of the Greek military junta. Elected as a Member of Parliament for the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) in 1977, she was appointed as Greece’s first female Minister of Culture in 1981, a position she held until 1989 and again from 1993 until her passing in 1994. Mercouri’s political tenure was defined by her fierce advocacy for the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum, a campaign that remains a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy. Her enduring legacy encompasses Greek cultural heritage, European cultural policy, and her indelible impact on 20th century Greek cinema, cementing her status as a national icon whose work bridged the worlds of art and activism.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling of her name is Melina Mercouri, using the Latin alphabet's common transliteration from Greek. The correct Greek spelling is Μελίνα Μερκούρη. Common misspellings and variations often arise from attempts to phonetically spell her surname, leading to frequent errors such as "Mercouris," "Merkouri," or "Mercury." The misspelling "Merkouri" is particularly prevalent, as it represents a direct phonetic interpretation, though the standard and correct transliteration uses a 'c'. Another occasional error is the conflation with the word "mercury," resulting in spellings like "Melina Mercury." When searching, it is also useful to note the full name Maria Amalia Mercouri, her birth name, though this is less commonly used in popular reference.

Example Sentences

Melina Mercouri's impassioned speeches at UNESCO were pivotal in galvanizing international support for the return of the Parthenon sculptures.

Film historians often cite her performance in Never on Sunday as a defining moment in the global appreciation of Greek cinema.

As Minister of Culture, Mercouri instituted numerous policies aimed at decentralizing cultural access throughout Greece's regions.

The annual "Melina Mercouri Prize" awarded by the Hellenic Parliament honors individuals and organizations for outstanding work in cultural heritage.

Her autobiography, I Was Born Greek, reflects on her deep connection to her national identity and her exile during the junta years.

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