Tuesday, February 9, 2021

The Lady In the Edible Hat - February 9, 2009

 

In any of her iconic costumes, she's immediately recognizable, even from a great distance. After all, who could miss that towering cascade of brightly colored produce balanced precariously on her head, framing her bright eyes and beaming smile? Many women look stunning in hats, but let's face it: few can wear fruit quite like Carmen Miranda could.

Born one hundred years ago today in Marco de Canaveses, Portugal (but raised in Brazil), Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha had always yearned for stardom, a fact she had to hide from her devoutly Catholic parents. One of her first jobs, ironically enough, was as a hat-maker, but her cornucopia of talents proved too grand for the modest life of a milliner.

She found early success as a samba singer, and won plum roles in a number of Brazilian films before being invited to the Big Apple. Once in America, Carmen was a top banana, making a splash first on Broadway, and then in Hollywood, with juicy roles in films like Down Argentine Way, Weekend in Havana, and Greenwich Village.

Life was peachy for Carmen: her career was filled with cherry parts and hit songs right up until her untimely death at the age of 46.

While making a live appearance on The Jimmy Durante Show on August 4, 1955, Carmen suffered a mild heart attack and almost collapsed. She was able to pull herself together enough to finish the taping, but suffered another heart attack later that night and passed away in her home.  She was flown to her adopted nation of Brazil, where a period of national mourning ensued.

Today, we invite you to lift a glass in celebration of the life and legend of this hugely influential performer on this, her centennial. Anyone for a tropical smoothie?

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