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Amelia Bence

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Amelia Bence was a legendary Argentine film actress.

Amelia Bence classic image crop
Amelia Bence classic image crop

She became a prominent diva during the Golden Age of Argentine cinema. This era spanned the 1930s through the 1950s. A diva is a celebrated performer known for great skill. Bence was born María Amelia Batvinik on November 13, 1914, in Buenos Aires. Her parents were Belarusian Jewish immigrants named Jaime and Ana.

BenceRadiolandia
BenceRadiolandia

Her life in entertainment lasted for eight decades.

Bence began her training through many different artistic disciplines. At age five, she debuted in the play "Juanita." She studied piano at the Fontova Conservatory. She also practiced classical dance with Mecha Quintana. This training occurred at the National Conservatory of Music and Speech. Even as a child, she showed great dedication to her craft. She once worked as an elevator operator at age ten. This shows her determination to pursue her interests despite many responsibilities.

Her professional film career started in 1933.

Zárate y Bence
Zárate y Bence

She appeared as an extra in "Dancing," a second sound film in Argentina. The director, Luis Moglia Barth, gave her the stage name Amelia Bence. While that film was not a success, she found fame on the theater stage. She performed in musical comedies like "Baile en el Savoy." That production ran for over 100 performances. She also appeared in the play "De mí no se ríe nadie." That role lasted for 200 performances.

Bence achieved massive stardom through historical and dramatic films.

La guerra gaucha-Sebastián Chiola y Amelia Bence
La guerra gaucha-Sebastián Chiola y Amelia Bence

In 1942, she starred in "La guerra gaucha." This film is considered one of the most important in Argentine history. It was set in the Salta Province during the nineteenth century. The story focused on the patriotic pride of the gauchos. Bence's performance earned her an award from the City of Buenos Aires. She also received an offer from Paramount Pictures to work in Hollywood. She chose to decline that offer.

Her acting talent earned her numerous prestigious awards.

Amelia Bence and Guillermo Murray, in Alfonsina, 1957 film
Amelia Bence and Guillermo Murray, in Alfonsina, 1957 film

She won Best Actress awards from the Argentine Academy of Cinematography Arts and Sciences. These honors were for films like "Todo un hombre," "A sangre fría," and "Danza del fuego." She also received the Silver Condor Award for "Lauracha" in 1946. Her fame reached far beyond Argentina. She won recognition in Spain, Cuba, and the United States. Some press even called her "the most beautiful eyes in the world."

Bence remained active in various media throughout her long life. In the 1960s, she focused on an extensive theater career. She starred in plays such as "La dama del trébol."

Amelia Bence 1975
Amelia Bence 1975

From 1973 to 1976, she toured Latin America. She performed in "La valija" at the Gramercy Arts Theater in New York City. This role earned her an ACE Award for Best Foreign Actress. Later, she transitioned to television. She appeared in series such as "Romina" and "Las 24 horas."

Her lasting impact on the arts is recognized by many institutions. In 1989, she received the Silver Condor for Lifetime Achievement. She also won lifetime achievement awards from the Podesta Awards and the National Endowment for the Arts. Between 1996 and 2010, she performed her show "Alfonsina." This production uniquely combined music and poetry. She finally retired from the entertainment industry in 2010. Her career spanned eighty years of cultural history.

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🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:Amelia Bence classic image crop.jpg
Amelia Bence classic image crop.jpg
File:Zárate y Bence.jpg
Zárate y Bence.jpg
File:Amelia-Arias.jpg
Amelia-Arias.jpg
File:La guerra gaucha-Sebastián Chiola y Amelia Bence.jpg
La guerra gaucha-Sebastián Chiola y...
File:BenceRadiolandia.jpg
BenceRadiolandia.jpg
File:La otra y yo.JPG
La otra y yo.JPG
File:Amelia Bence.jpg
Amelia Bence.jpg
File:Amelia Bence and Guillermo Murray, in Alfonsina, 1957 film.jpg
Amelia Bence and Guillermo Murray, in...
File:Prieto-Bence.jpg
Prieto-Bence.jpg
File:Amelia Bence 1975.JPG
Amelia Bence 1975.JPG
File:Complejo Tita Merello (fachada).JPG
Complejo Tita Merello (fachada).JPG
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