Surely many people know this name - Carmen Miranda. The public became aware of her talent in the 1920s. In 1933, she played her first role in the feature film Voice of the Carnival, and also signed a long-term contract with radio Rádio Mayrink Veiga. However, about how Miranda managed to achieve such dizzying successes, we learn from our article.
Childhood star
The famous actress was born in 1909, on February 9. Portugal became her homeland. In the family, the girl was the second child. Carmen's mother was called Maria Emilia Miranda, and her father was Jose Maria Pinto de Cugna. When the baby was not even a year old, the head of the family decided to emigrate to Brazil. Later the whole family followed him. It should be noted that until the very last days Carmen did not renounce Portuguese citizenship, despite the fact that she never lived in this country.
The family moved permanently to a poor area of Rio de Janeiro. There, Jose opened a hairdresser. It is worth saying that little Carmen from early childhood began to show artistic abilities. Parents early learned that the girl dreams of becoming a singer or actress. Neither mom nor dad Carmen shared her aspirations for world fame, so the baby stopped showing her talents.
Carmen later reiterated her desire to become a star. In this, her mother supported her, for which she was later beaten by the head of the family. The father raised his hand to his wife only because she allowed her daughter to be cast on a radio show.
Youth and study Carmen
Miranda studied at the school at the monastery of Saint Therese of Lisieux. It is noteworthy that Carmen is the fake name of the girl. Parents called her Maria. She received such a nickname from her father, thanks to her love for the opera Carmen. At age 12, the girl has already performed at parties in Chicago, performing her songs. Two years later, Carmen had to get a job as a saleswoman, as the girl's sister was ill with tuberculosis. Money for her treatment was sorely lacking. Working in a hat-making shop, she managed to open her own trading shop, which, incidentally, turned out to be quite profitable. Miranda's customers said that the girl was constantly singing.
First steps to success
One fine day, a nice man came to Carmen’s store and accidentally heard her sing. It turned out that the visitor was the producer of Rádio Mayrink Veiga. He immediately offers the girl to perform in one of his shows. And so a two-year contract was signed. In 1933, Carmen was invited to appear in a film called The Voice of the Carnival. By the end of the decade, the girl becomes a real star.
Peak career
In 1939, Carmen Miranda participated in the American musical review. She performs songs on Broadway. In addition, after another performance, the girl is introduced to US President Roosevelt. Despite the fact that the meeting took place in a politicized way, this did not bother the young talented actress. Soon Carmen Miranda ended up in Hollywood. Here in North America, she becomes a real star. The audience appreciated her immense talent and sparkling energy. In all the films she was offered the same role. The seductive beauty dancing in the Brazilian style always wore revealing outfits, high platform shoes and an original hat resembling a fruit basket. Thanks to the latter, Carmen was even given the nickname - Lady with a tutti-frutti hat.
The actress's years of popularity fell on the period of the Second World War. At this time, she became the most popular and highly paid actress. Carmen Miranda has played in 14 films. The actress did not refuse to participate in the show on TV. One of the most popular and sensational films in which Carmen starred was the comedy musical “The whole gang in the collection” (1943). The fans remembered the song that was performed by Carmen Miranda - “Tiko-tiko”. It is worth saying that this composition is still very popular even among the younger generation.
Career decline
Miranda's fame did not last very long. After the end of World War II, her career began to decline. The last film in which the actress played is called "Scared to Death." Leaving the television screens, Carmen Miranda, whose biography is described in detail in our article, was still trying to stay afloat, but her former popularity still did not give her rest.
Last years of life. "Walk of Fame"
In the last years of her life, the actress fell into a serious depression. Miranda suffered a heart attack while participating in The Jimmy Durante Show. The actress died on the same day in her mansion in Beverly Hills. It turned out that Carmen was not the first heart attack. And it happened because of the abuse of alcohol and drugs. The actress died very early - at the age of 46.
The body at the request of Miranda was transported to Brazil. More than 60 thousand people attended her funeral, and about half a million followed her coffin. It is also important that the “Walk of Fame” is decorated with the star of Miranda. In Portugal, several museums have been opened in memory of the great actress.