Here are 1 famous actresses from Spain died in 1959:
Leda Ginelly (February 25, 1899 Barcelona-April 14, 1959 Couilly-Pont-aux-Dames) also known as Elsa Sophie Geneviève Petry or Lèda Ginelly was a Spanish actor.
Leda Ginelly began her acting career in the 1920s in France, where she appeared in various stage productions. She then ventured into the film industry and made her debut in the silent film "Herminie" in 1924. She appeared in several French films, including "Fanfan la tulipe" (1925) and "Le cabaret du grand large" (1926).
In the 1930s, Ginelly moved to Hollywood and signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. She appeared in several American films such as "The Way of All Flesh" (1930) and "The Love Parade" (1930). However, she struggled to establish herself as a leading lady and returned to France in the mid-1930s.
Ginelly continued to work in French cinema, appearing in films such as "Pépé le Moko" (1937) and "Les Inconnus dans la maison" (1942). She also worked in the French Resistance during World War II and was awarded the Croix de guerre.
After the war, Ginelly appeared in a few more films before retiring from acting in the early 1950s. She spent her final years in the town of Couilly-Pont-aux-Dames, where she passed away in 1959 at the age of 60. Despite her relatively short career, Leda Ginelly remains a respected figure in both French and American cinema.
Ginelly was born to Spanish parents in Barcelona, but she grew up in France. Her father was an opera singer, and her mother was a pianist, which is likely how she was drawn to the performing arts. In addition to acting, Ginelly was also an accomplished dancer and singer. She was known for her sultry and exotic looks, which made her a popular choice for roles that required a seductive or mysterious character. Even though she struggled to establish herself in Hollywood, Ginelly was admired for her talent and unique style. She was fluent in French, English, and Spanish, which gave her an advantage in the international film industry. In addition to her film work, Ginelly was also active in the theater, both in France and the United States. Her legacy remains strong, and her work continues to be studied and appreciated by film historians and enthusiasts alike.
Ginelly's personal life was quite private, and little is known about her relationships and family. However, it is known that she was briefly married to a French director named Jean de Limur in the 1930s. The marriage ended in divorce, and Ginelly never remarried.
Aside from her acting career and work with the French Resistance, Ginelly was also involved in various humanitarian causes. She was an advocate for animal rights and worked with organizations that aimed to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. Ginelly was also involved in various charity organizations that supported underprivileged children in both France and the United States.
In recognition of her contributions to the film industry and her humanitarian work, Ginelly was posthumously awarded the Legion of Honour by the French government in 1960. The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian in France. Today, Ginelly is remembered as a talented and versatile actress who made a significant impact on both French and American cinema.
Ginelly's impact on Hollywood and French cinema cannot be denied. Her exotic looks, talent and unique style caught the attention of producers, casting directors and audiences the world over. Ginelly's breakout role in "Herminie" put her on the map and led to a string of high-profile films in France - including "Fanfan la tulipe" and "Le cabaret du grand large."
Despite her struggles in Hollywood, Ginelly continued to work in the industry on both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing her skills in films such as "The Way of All Flesh" and "The Love Parade" in the early 1930s. Her time in Hollywood may have been short, but her talent and contributions to the industry are still recognized today.
Ginelly's legacy also extends to her activism and humanitarian work. Her involvement with organizations that sought to protect animals from cruelty and neglect, as well as her dedication to charity organizations that helped underprivileged children, are a testament to her kind heart and generous spirit.
In many ways, Leda Ginelly was ahead of her time. As an actress, she was fearless in taking on roles that challenged traditional gender stereotypes. As an activist and humanitarian, she was passionate about causes that were considered unconventional during her time. Her legacy lives on, and she remains an inspiration to those who aspire to make a positive impact on the industry and the world.