Elsa Rizou

Biography

Elsa Rizou born in 1933 as Eleni Lambropoulou, her parents called her “Elsa” from childhood. Her love of dance led her to the renowned Elli Zouroudis school, where she studied for several years. There she gained grace, self-confidence and her first contact with the stage — an experience that paved her way to acting and Greek cinema. Elsa Rizou began her artistic career in the theatre, as a dancer. Her first appearance was in December 1952 in the revue “Our Life is Cheerful”, which was staged at the Papaioannou Theatre, directed by Rena Dor. In the summer of 1953, she participated in the Acropolis Theater's review of "30 to Dollar", where she formed a dance pair with the later successful screenwriter and director Yannis Dalianidis. Three years later, in the performance "White, Black and Cold", she met Rena Vlachopoulou, with whom she subsequently became close friends and collaborators. From the late 1950s and for about six years, she was a member of the successful troupe that her husband, Nikos Rizos, had formed, together with Georgia Vasiliadou and Vasilis Avlonitis. Her last theatrical appearance was in the 1995–1996 season, in the review “To Mimi sernei… karavi”, with texts by Dinos Spyropoulos and directed by Fotis Metaxopoulos and Nikos Rizos. Her first appearance on the big screen was in 1953, as Elsa Lambropoulou, in the Finos Film film “To Soferaki”, written and directed by Giorgos Tzavellas. In the following years —and after her marriage to Nikos Rizos— she would now appear under his surname, creating one of the most beloved artistic couples in Greek cinema. With Finos Film she collaborated on eight films, including the unforgettable “Our Lady the Midwife”, “Clearhos, Marina and the Short One”, “Something Burning”, “The Heirs”, “A Smart Smart Face” and “The Lady and the Tramp” — one of the most successful moments of her career. In the film “The Charmer” she gave one of her most characteristic performances, as Katina, from whom Costas Voutsas constantly asked for… “salami”. In total, she participated in 29 films, of which in 22 she shared the stage with her husband, Nikos Rizos, leaving with him their own unique imprint in the history of Greek cinema. Elsa Rizou appeared on the small screen only twice, however each of her appearances stood out for its naturalness and warmth. Her first television appearance was in 1973, alongside Yannis Michalopoulos, in the YENED series “The World and Kosmas.” Four years later, in 1977, she participated in the social series “The Road,” confirming once again her comfort in moving easily between comedy and drama.