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Eleni Zafeiriou was a prominent Greek actress known for her work in theatre, film, and television, celebrated as a leading figure of her generation. Adopted early by actress Kyriakoula Zafeiriou, whose surname she adopted, Eleni was immersed in the theatrical world from childhood, touring with various troupes. She studied at the National Theatre Drama School and debuted on stage in 1936 in Gerhart Hauptmann's Before Sunset at the National Theatre of Greece. On stage, she earned acclaim for her portrayal of classical characters such as Queen Margaret in Richard III, Athena in Iphigenia, Atossa in The Persians, Queen Gertrude in Hamlet, Goneril in King Lear, the Nurse in Medea, Antigone in Oedipus at Colonus, Tecmessa in Ajax, Sara in The Sacrifice of Abraham, and Ronkalaina in The Vasilikos. Her film career was equally notable, often depicting working-class women with remarkable authenticity. Key film roles included performances in Bitter Bread (1951), Dead City (1951), and Lagoon of Desire (1957). She became especially known for maternal roles, frequently embodying the archetype of the mother. On television, she made a memorable impact as Kampouritsa in the 1970s series O Hristos xanastavronetai (1975). Additionally, she contributed to dubbing, most famously as the Witch in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Lady Kluck in Robin Hood (1973). In 1991, she published her memoir Ti na sou protothymitho vre mana (What Should I Remember First, Mother) through Odos Panos, reflecting on her artistic career. Her legacy in Greek theatre and cinema remains cherished, marking her as a lasting and beloved figure in the cultural landscape of Greece.
