Lola Flores: The Queen of Flamenco
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Lola Flores (21 January 1923 – 16 May 1995) was a Spanish actress, bailaora and singer. She was one of the most popular and beloved figures in Spanish entertainment and was known as “La Faraona” (The Pharaoh) due to her striking appearance.
Life and Career
Lola Flores was born on 21 January 1923. Flores began her career in the 1940s as a dancer and soon transitioned to acting, appearing in over 50 films throughout her career. She was also a successful singer, releasing several albums and singles that became popular in Spain and Latin America. She was known for her flamboyant and extravagant performances, both on stage and on screen, and for her unique and charismatic personality.
She was married twice. The first one was with a bullfighter named Antonio González El Pescaílla, with whom she had five children, including the singer and actress Ana Villa. Her second marriage was with a bullfighter named Antonio Vidal. Flores died on 16 May 1995 at the age of 72, due to a heart attack. She was widely mourned in Spain and her death was a major news story. Her legacy as one of Spain’s most iconic and enduring performers continues to this day.
Award and Legacy
Throughout her career, Lola Flores received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to Spanish entertainment. Some of her notable awards include:
- The Gold Medal for Fine Arts, awarded by the Spanish government in 1991, in recognition of her contributions to Spanish culture and the arts.
- The Premio Nacional de Teatro (National Theater Prize), awarded by the Spanish government in 1993, for her contributions to Spanish theater.
- The Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes (Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts), awarded by the Spanish government in 1994, in recognition of her outstanding artistic achievements.
In addition to these awards, Flores was also honored with numerous other awards and honors throughout her career, including multiple awards for her performances in film and theater.
Flores’ legacy continues to be felt in Spain and beyond, with many considering her to be one of the most iconic figures in Spanish entertainment history. Her unique style and charismatic personality have made her an enduring symbol of Spanish culture, and her music and films continue to be enjoyed by audiences today. In Spain, her image is very present, with her songs being still heard, her movies are still seen and many streets and squares carry her name.
On 21 January 2016, Google Doodle celebrated Lola Flores’ 93rd Birthday.
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