Greek actor Giorgos Konstantinou has spoken about experiencing a dream about his former co-star Maro Kontou the night before her death, describing how he woke up to messages of condolence on his phone.
Speaking as a guest on the television show Studio at 3 on Tuesday, September 1, the actor explained that he had not expected to lose the actress, as they had been in constant telephone contact with no warning of any health troubles.
Konstantinou said that Kontou, widely regarded as a leading lady of Greek cinema, passed away on July 15 at age 92. He explained that her death came as a complete shock because the pair spoke frequently and she showed no signs of illness.
According to the actor, Kontou had not shared any health problems with anyone, and he was unaware of any medical issues. He recalled running into her at a restaurant two months before her death, where he left his own table to sit beside her. He noted that she appeared so vibrant during their meeting and phone calls that he never suspected anything was wrong.
A dream on the night before her death
Konstantinou recounted what he described as a metaphysical experience on the evening before Kontou died. He explained that in his sleep, he dreamt he was walking with Kontou and another actor, whose identity he could not recall, on their way to a filming session.
During the dream, Kontou suddenly disappeared from view. When Konstantinou asked where she was, a voice told him she would arrive later. He questioned why she would wait when the shoot was happening immediately and began calling out her name.
Kontou then heard his voice and told him that they would do the project another time. Upon waking the following morning, Konstantinou opened his phone to find condolence messages, realizing she had passed away that day after his dream the night before.
A friendship spanning six decades
Kontou passed away on Wednesday, July 15, at Agios Savvas Hospital at the age of 92, following serious health problems during the final period of her life.
Her professional and personal relationship with Konstantinou dated back to 1960, when they appeared together in the stage production Street of Dreams. Konstantinou noted that Kontou was already emerging as a leading star at the time, whereas he was just starting out in his career.
The two actors later achieved enduring fame together in the classic film And the Wife Shall Revere Her Husband. Following her death, Konstantinou issued a public farewell addressing her as Elenitsa, the name of her character in the movie, writing that they had agreed on different terms. Admirers also gathered outside the house where the movie was filmed, leaving notes paying tribute to her iconic role.
Reflections on losing colleagues
Reflecting on the loss of fellow performers, Konstantinou admitted that he is always caught off guard when colleagues pass away. He explained that because he worked closely with them, he keeps them alive in his mind.
He added that watching older films can be a poignant experience, as he often notices that none of the cast members appearing on screen are still alive. He acknowledged that wondering why people must die is a simple thought, yet it affects him deeply.
Konstantinou emphasized that while people make friends in all walks of life, the bond between actors sharing a theatrical season is exceptionally strong, marked by genuine affection and close camaraderie.
