María Félix is an icon of Mexican cinema. She remains one of the greatest stars of golden age of Mexican cinema, a period of time during the 1940s and 1950s that were populated with great films and character actors that leant towards the genres of melodrama and film noir.
© GettyImagesAside from her great beauty, a topic that’s still discussed to this day, Felix was a formidable talent. Over her career, she played various roles but was mostly known for playing tough women like La Doña, in the film “Doña Barbara,” released in 1943 and based on the Venezuelan novel of the same name.
Felix was also a controversial figure. Her beauty and her outspokenness were rare for the era, and often got her into trouble. “With these films, I became the number one enemy of the Mexican family morals,” she said of her roles of the time.
© GettyImages“Somehow, I seduced the public, even those who criticize the conduct of my characters in the films. My legend began to take shape without moving a finger. The public imagination did everything for me.”
Maria Felix remains as iconic as she was to this day. Earlier this year, Mattel announced a Maria Felix Barbie, introducing the icon to younger kids and other demographics.
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