Maria Felix Mexican film actress, model, model Date of Birth: 08.04.1914 Country: USA

1. Maria Felix: Mexican Actress, Model, Femme Fatale
2. Rise to Stardom
3. Missed Opportunities
4. European Success
5. Personal Life
6. Artistic Influence
7. Legacy

Maria Felix: Mexican Actress, Model, Femme Fatale

Maria Felix, born Maria de los Angeles Felix Guereña in 1914, was a Mexican cinema icon in the 1940s. Her career began after meeting businessman Fernando Palacios in Mexico City, and she soon appeared in Miguel Zacarías' film "Peñón de las Ánimas," where she played one of the leading roles.

Rise to Stardom

In 1943, Maria Felix starred in the drama "Doña Bárbara," based on the novel by Rómulo Gallegos. She worked with director Fernando de Fuentes on films such as "Mujer sin alma" and "La devoradora." Despite her success in Mexican cinema, Maria's attitude towards Hollywood remained unchanged. She stated in an interview that she refused to work in Hollywood until she was offered a significant role that would showcase her talent. Maria believed she was not born to "carry baskets" her whole life.

Missed Opportunities

As a result of her firm stance, Maria Felix's career was deeply buried, and no American director invited her to join their films, depriving her of the fame she could have achieved in the United States. However, in 1946, with the help of director Emilio Fernández, whom Maria had dated during the filming of "Enamorada," "Río Escondido," and "Maclovia," she began her career in Europe.

European Success

In 1948, Maria Felix worked in Spain before moving to France, where she appeared in the films "French Cancan" and "The Fever Mounts at El Pao." She also participated in the film "Mesalina" and shared the screen with stars like Vittorio Gassman, Jack Palance, and many others.

Personal Life

In 1956, Maria Felix married Enrique Álvarez, with whom she had one child. She was previously involved with musician Agustín Lara, who dedicated several songs to her. She also had a brief relationship with Jorge Negrete, considered one of Mexico's greatest actors. Her last husband was Alex Berger, with whom she was involved from 1956 to 1974.

Artistic Influence

Throughout her long career, Maria Felix became a model for renowned artists such as Diego Rivera, Leonora Carrington, and Leonor Fini. Although she did not like one of her portraits by Diego Rivera, she eventually sold it after many years. Maria was also a lover of fashionable clothing and jewelry, often wearing designs by Christian Dior and other famous fashion designers. Her jewelry collection was equally extravagant, with most pieces custom-made by the world's finest jewelers.

Legacy

On April 8, 2002, Maria Felix passed away at the age of 88. Following her death, her jewelry collection was showcased as part of "The Art of Cartier Collection" exhibition.