Manos Katrakis

Emmanuel "Manos" Katrakis (Greek: Εμμανουήλ (Μάνος) Κατράκης; August 14, 1908 – September 3, 1984) was a distinguished Greek actor celebrated for his contributions to both theater and film. His cinematic journey began in 1928 with his role in "To Lavaro tou '21," alongside actor and director Kostas Leloudas. By 1931, Katrakis had joined the Ethniko Theatro, Greece's National Theatre, where he honed his craft and formed friendships with notable figures, including the esteemed conductor Dimitris Mitropoulos.

Throughout the tumultuous 1930s, Katrakis’s dedication to the arts remained steadfast, but his life took a significant turn during the Greek Civil War (1946–49). A staunch member of EAM/ELAS, he was exiled to Makronisos after refusing to sign a declaration of repentance. Here, he shared the experience with other prominent personalities, such as poet Yiannis Ritsos and composer Mikis Theodorakis.

Upon returning to Athens in the 1950s, Katrakis faced challenges in securing acting roles, yet he remained active in both stage and film. In 1954, he married his third wife, Linda Alma, whose real name was Eleni Malioufa. His career culminated with his final and critically acclaimed film, "Taxidi sta Kythira" (Journey to Kythera), directed by Theo Angelopoulos, shortly before his passing. Manos Katrakis's legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and artistic excellence in Greek cinema.