The well-known Spanish actress and singer, Carmen Sevilla was
born Carmen García Galisteo in Seville on the 16th October
1930. From an early age she was involved in the world of theatre
and dance, appearing as a ballerina aged 12 in the theatrical spectacle,
"Spanish Rhapsody", along with Paquita Rico and Ana Esmeralda,
(both of whom shared her later success on stage and in films). She
also appeared in dance groups with Enrique Castro and Paco Reyes.
Her first film was "Jalisco Canta en Sevilla" in 1948,
with co-star Jorge Negrete, a popular singer at the time. She was
known for her pleasant nature as well as her beauty and her career
went from strength to strength.
Later films Carmen appeared in include, "La Guitarra de Gardel"(1949),
"Filigrana", "Cuentos de la Alhambra", "La
Revoltosa" (1950) and "El Sueño de Andalucia" (1950)
when her co-star was Luis Mariano; another singer who helped her
rise to fame. Subsequent films include "La Hermana San Suplicio"
(1952), "Un Caballero Andaluz", "Violetas Imperiales"
(1952) and "La Bella de Cadiz" (1953) "La Picara Molinera"
(1954), "Congreso en Sevilla" and "La Fierecilla Domada"
(1955).
It was around this time that Carmen Sevilla gained international
acclaim, by starring in the French film, "El Amor de Don Juan"
(1956).
Carmen Sevilla was undeniably one of the most popular stars of
Spanish film in the fifties. She subsequently concentrated more
on dramatic roles, which led to her being offered a role by Barden
in "La Venganza" (1957), which centred on the problems
of the Andalucian farmer.
In 1960 she married the composer and musical director, Augusto
Alguero and received a major national award for her contribution
to the arts. Later films include, "Nadie Oyo Gritar", "La
Cera Virgen", "La Promesa" and "Rostros"
which she also produced.
These days, she has reduced her film work and, instead, is appearing
on several Spanish television programmes, including her own series.
