Alexis Minotis was a renowned Greek actor and theatrical director, born in Chania, Crete, who gained international recognition for his iconic productions of ancient Greek tragedies. His remarkable career spanned over seven decades, during which he authored poetry, worked as a bank employee, and transitioned to a full-time actor, appearing in numerous theatrical shows and films.
Minotis began his acting journey as an amateur, eventually joining the theatrical company of Marika Kotopouli, a prominent actress of the era, in 1925. He rose to fame as a tragic actor, leaving the company in 1930 to join an avant-garde acting troupe. He made his film debut in 1930, starring in a pastoral romance.
In 1940, Minotis married his fellow actress Katina Paxinou, and they became a celebrated acting duo, performing at the National Theatre of Greece in Athens. When Greece was occupied by Axis powers during World War II, Minotis fled the country and spent several years abroad.
In 1946, Minotis was cast in his first English-speaking film, Alfred Hitchcock's "Notorious," as a butler. He went on to appear in notable films, including "The Chase," "Siren of Atlantis," "Land of the Pharaohs," and "Boy on a Dolphin," which was the first Hollywood production filmed in Greece.
By 1955, Minotis began adapting the works of Sophocles and Euripides, originally performed at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. He embarked on an international tour, performing and directing most of these plays for American audiences in New York City. In 1958, he directed the French opera "Medea" by Luigi Cherubini for the Dallas Civil Opera, a highlight of his career as a director.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Minotis appeared infrequently as an actor in regular Greek theatrical seasons, while holding directorial and administrative posts in theaters. He returned to the role of Abraham in his final season of performances in 1989 and passed away the following year at the age of 90.
