Lila Kedrova, a Russian-born French actress (1909-2000), is universally known for her portrayal of Madame Hortense in the film *Zorba the Greek* (1964), a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance, characterized by pathos and vulnerability, became iconic. She reprised the same role in the 1983 Broadway musical adaptation, also winning a Tony Award for the same part, a rare achievement for a performer. Her film career also includes significant roles in notable international films such as Alfred Hitchcock's *Torn Curtain* (1966) and Roman Polanski's *The Tenant* (1976). The daughter of Russian artists who emigrated to France, Kedrova began her career on the Parisian stage, establishing herself as an actress of great intensity and versatility before achieving worldwide fame.