Zina Zorrilla is a renowned Uruguayan actress, director, producer and writer known for her significant contributions to theatre, film and television.
Her career spanned decades and she became a beloved figure in South American culture, especially known for her roles in Argentinian films and her work in the theater of Leo Platen.
Zorrilla’s breakthrough role in film appears “Unguapo del 900”. She is often considered the “grande dame” of the South American theater scene.
contour
- Full name: Concepción Matilde Zorrilla de San Martín Muñoz
- Nickname: China
- Date of birth: March 14, 1922
- Age in 2024: 102
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Occupation: Actor, director, producer, writer
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín (father), Gumelcinda Muñoz del Campo (mother)
- Siblings: Guma Alejandrina Ines Zorrilla de San Martín Muñoz and Ines Zorrilla de San Martín Muñoz
- Spouse: Ugo Medina
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: N/A
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: Jewish descent
- Net worth: $5 million
early life and education
China Zorrilla was born on March 14, 1922 in Montevideo, Uruguay. She grew up in an aristocratic family; she was the daughter of the famous sculptors José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín Blanco and Gumelcinda Muñoz del Campo.
Her grandfather, Juan Sorilla de San Martín, was a famous poet, often called the “Poet of the Fatherland.” She has several siblings, including Guma Alejandrina Ines Zorrilla de San Martín Muñoz and Ines Zorrilla de San Martín Muñoz.
She spent part of her childhood in Paris before returning to Montevideo, where she attended the Sagrado Corazón school. In 1946, she won a scholarship from the British Council to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
There, she honed her acting skills under the tutelage of respected mentors. After completing her studies, Zorrilla returned to Uruguay and began her theater career.
personal life
Zina Zorrilla married Hugo Medina. They have a child together, but details have not been widely publicized. Throughout her life she developed close friendships with various artists and actors in the theater and film industries.
She was known for her dedication to her art and often expressed solidarity with other artists during a time of political turmoil in Uruguay.
During Uruguay’s military dictatorship from 1973 to 1985, Zorrilla was also involved in humanitarian work. She used her platform to support those affected by the regime and helped many Uruguayans escape persecution.
Profession
China Zorrilla began her career performing on stage at Uruguay’s Commedia Nacional in the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in many plays directed by well-known names such as Margarita Hilgu. In 1971, at the age of 49, she made her film debut “Unguapo del 900”It marked a turning point in her career when she turned to Argentinian films.
Throughout her career, Zorrilla appeared in more than 30 films and numerous television series. Some of her famous works include “Esperanto La Carosa” (1985), “Pull the Mafia” (1991), and “Elsa and Fred” (2005). Her performances are characterized by emotional depth and a strong connection with the audience.
In addition to acting, Zorrilla has directed several productions and contributed to various cultural events throughout Latin America. Her work has received numerous honors, including awards from international film festivals.
Awards
- Best Actress at the Moscow Film Festival (2004)
- Awarded Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French government (2008)
- Order of May from Argentina
- Oden Gabriela Mistral from Chile
- Awarded the title “Ciudadano Ilustre de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires” (Outstanding Citizen of Buenos Aires)
net worth
China Zorrilla’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million. Her wealth has been amassed through decades of extensive work in theatre, film and television.
die
Zina Zorrilla passed away in Montevideo, Uruguay on September 17, 2014 at the age of 92. For many who admired her work and contribution to South American culture, her death marked the end of an era.
social media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: N/A
film chronology
- No. 900 (1971)
- Carossa Esperanto (1985)
- pull the mafia (1991)
- elsa and fred (2005)
- Conversation with mom (2004)
- Los Roldan (2004–2005)
