Marpessa Dawn
ActingAbout Marpessa Dawn
Marpessa Dawn (January 3, 1934 — August 25, 2008), also known as Gypsy Marpessa Dawn Menor was an American-born French actress, singer, and dancer. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania of African-American and Filipino heritage, she is best-remembered for her role as "Eurydice" in the film Black Orpheus. She and her fellow lead from that film, Brazilian actor Breno Mello, died just 42 days apart in 2008, both from heart attacks.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Marpessa Dawn reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 11 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Marpessa Dawn's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 9% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Marpessa Dawn remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Black Orpheus, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Marpessa Dawn Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Marpessa Dawn's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Marpessa Dawn.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Private Collections | a siren | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Sweet Movie | Mama Communa | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | Boubou cravate | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | Le Bal du comte d'Orgel | Marie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1966 | Chérie Noire | Chérie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1963 | 38-24-36 | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1961 | The Secret of the Blue Men | Malika | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | Black Orpheus | Eurydice | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Womaneater | Native Girl | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | Élisa | Negress | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | Africa on the Seine | - | Flop | Similar → |
Marpessa Dawn - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Marpessa Dawn?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Marpessa Dawn is "Black Orpheus" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Marpessa Dawn acted in?
Marpessa Dawn has been featured in at least 11 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Marpessa Dawn?
Other notable films include "Private Collections", "Africa on the Seine", and "Sweet Movie".