Mezei Mária Plaque

Was Mezei Mária a tragic figure? Here at the Mezei Mária Plaque in Budapest, we remember a captivating actress whose life was marked by both triumph and sorrow. The Mezei Mária Plaque commemorates a remarkable woman. She graced the Hungarian stage and screen for decades. Born in Kecskemét in 1909, Mária Mezei pursued her childhood dream of acting. She studied at Rózsahegyi Kálmán’s acting school and debuted in 1931. Her talent shone brightly. Mezei Mária became a prominent figure in Hungarian theatre and film. She appeared in over 30 films between 1936 and 1970. Some of her notable works include “The Golden Man” (1936), “Tales of Budapest” (1937), and “Édes Anna” (1958). Her stage performances were equally mesmerizing. She embodied characters like Muskátné in Molnár Ferenc’s “Liliom” and Rebekka West in Ibsen’s “Rosmersholm”. Mária Mezei’s personal life held its share of heartaches. Her mother died shortly after her birth, and her first marriage ended in divorce. A later romance with the renowned writer Márai Sándor, although passionate, remained shrouded in secrecy due to his existing marriage. Mezei Mária found solace in her second marriage to János Lelbach, living a more secluded life in Budakeszi. Tragedy struck again in 1968 when a severe illness forced her into early retirement. Despite her hardships, Mária Mezei’s legacy lives on through her memorable performances. This plaque in Budapest serves as a testament to her artistry. It reminds us of the woman who captivated audiences with her talent and resilience.