Carmen Yazalde

Carmen Yazalde, born María do Carmo Ressurreição de Deus in 1950 in Gonçalo, Guarda, Portugal, emerged from humble beginnings marked by hardship, including the loss of several siblings during childhood. Her journey into the entertainment realm began as a folk dancer, which eventually caught the attention of modeling agents and filmmakers. Yazalde made her notable debut in the cult classic *Tombs of the Blind Dead* (1972), directed by Amando de Ossorio, where she portrayed a human sacrifice to the eerie skeletal Templar zombies. This film's success led to three sequels.

Yazalde's career flourished as she starred in numerous exploitation films directed by the notorious Jesús Franco, primarily in the horror genre. Among her prominent performances were the lead role in *Daughter of Dracula* (1972), a suspected witch in *The Demons* (1973), and a vampire in *Dracula, Prisoner of Frankenstein* (1972). One of her standout projects during this era was *A Virgin Among the Living Dead* (1973), where she portrayed a peculiar character at a family gathering.

In 1977, Carmen married renowned Argentine soccer player Casimiro Yazalde, prompting her move to Argentina. There, she became a well-known figure in the fashion industry, working as a runway and print model under her married name. Despite her shift in focus, she occasionally graces television screens, maintaining her connection to the entertainment world.