Biography

Despina Tomazani (Greek: Δέσποινα Τομαζάνη, 1945–2026) was a Greek actress, author, poet, and screenwriter with a distinctive and multifaceted career in the arts. She was born on Chios on June 1, 1945, with roots in Ayvalik (Asia Minor) and Kotyora (Pontus). She studied theater in Athens and subsequently film and theater at Stockholm University. She began her career in Sweden, making her debut in 1971 in the television film *Amala Kamala*. Her first cinematic appearance followed in the film *Jag heter Stelios* (1972). The role that defined her career and brought her widespread recognition among the Greek public was that of Sofia in Nikos Nikolaidis’s iconic film *Sweet Gang* (1983). Alongside acting, she was deeply involved in writing literature and poetry, with several of her works translated for international audiences. She also wrote the screenplay for the film *Free Diving* (1995), directed by Giorgos Panousopoulos.