Eva Peron

Eva Peron was the second wife of President Juan Peron and served as the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952. Eva Peron or Evita as she was affectionately known as was born in 1919. Eva thought her calling was in either Radio or becoming a movie star. When she was 15 she struck out for Buenos Aires to pursue her dreams. After several bit parts on radio and acting, an earthquake struck Argentina in 1944.

Juan Perón, who was then the Secretary of Labour, invited all radio and film actors to go to the streets with collection boxes. He then held a gala for the workers and this is where Eva met her future husband. Juan Perón was 48 when he met the 24-year-old Eva and they married in 1945. While her husband was campaigning for the Presidential Office, she was the first woman in Argentine history to appear in public on the campaign trail with her husband.

In 1947 Eva embarked on a much-publicized "Rainbow Tour" of Europe where she met several Heads of State. In 1952 she was diagnosed with cervical cancer but it was withheld from her by her husband. Her last public appearance was right after her husband’s second inauguration in June of 1952. She passed away July 26, 1952.

Fast Facts

1. D.O.B: May 7, 1919
2. Place of birth: Los Toldos, Argentina
3. Died: July 26, 1952
4. Nationality: Argentinian
5. Political party: Justicialist Party, Peronist Feminist Party
6. Spouse: Juan Perón
7. Occupation: Actress, Philanthropist, First Lady, Politician

Timeline

1. 1946-52: First Lady of Argentina
2. 1946-52: Head of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of Argentina
3. 1946-52: Head of the Ministry of Health of Argentina
4. 1948-52: President of the Maria Eva Duarte de Perón Foundation
5. Died: July 26, 1952

Saint

The people of Argentina adored Eva Peron so much they were trying to make her a saint. The musical Evita which made its Broadway Premiere September 25, 1979 starred Madonna and written by Andrew Lloyd Webber was a huge success with 1,567 performances.

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