Evita Peron - From a Kept Woman with a Dark Past to the First Lady of Argentina (19 photos)
On May 7, 1919, María Eva Duarte Perón, or simply Evita, as Argentines affectionately called her, was born. She became famous worldwide after the release of the 1996 Hollywood film starring Madonna. But in Latin America, this woman had become a national icon long before. Living only 33 years, Evita managed to win not only the heart of the Argentine president but also the affection of millions of its citizens. However, as they say, she had a rocky road to her success. 
Eva Perón and Madonna, who embodied her on screen
Eva Maria Duarte was born in a village 300 km from Buenos Aires. She was the illegitimate child of farmer Juan Duarte, who never acknowledged his youngest daughter. At 15, Eva eloped to Buenos Aires with a visiting singer. Thus began her story of conquering the capital. 
Madonna in the film "Evita," 1996
She dreamed of a career as a film actress, although she possessed neither exceptional talent nor ideal looks. Various rumors circulated about her early years in the capital, including that she was forced to sell her body. 
Eva at 15 and 20
For a time, Eva worked as a model and waitress, appeared in erotic postcards and in bit parts in films, and was kept by wealthy lovers. One of them got Eva a job on the radio, which brought her her first fame. 
Eva Duarte 
Colonel Perón and Eva Duarte
1943 was a turning point for both Eva and all of Argentina: a military coup took place in the country, and Juan Domingo Perón came to power. He first received a post in the Secretariat of Labor, and then the position of vice president. Soon, the meeting Eva had long dreamed of took place. At a charity event, she approached Juan Perón and uttered a single phrase: "Thank you, Colonel, for existing." That same night, Eva became his lover and never left his side. 
Eva in 1934 and 1939 
Argentine President Juan Perón and Evita Duarte
Thanks to Perón, Eva landed leading roles in films, her five-minute radio show became 15 minutes long, and her fees increased severalfold. Eva followed the colonel everywhere, appearing with him at rallies and union meetings. She became indispensable to him not only in his personal life but also in his public life. 
Evita Perón 
Evita on posters and covers 
Colonel Perón and Eva Duarte
In 1945, another military coup occurred. Perón was arrested, and Evita was fired from her job. It was at this time that she received a letter from the colonel: "Only now have I realized how much I love you. As soon as I am free, we will marry." And he kept his word—they married that same year. 
Colonel Perón and Eva Duarte
Evita Perón
After his release, Perón announced his candidacy for president of Argentina. Evita actively participated in his election campaign. She was beloved by the people—a simple girl, the daughter of a dishwasher and a cattle rancher, managed to rise to the rank of First Lady. Moreover, she skillfully maintained the image of the ideal wife, the guardian of family and national values. Perón won the presidential election, but Evita won even more—the love and admiration of the Argentines. 
Evita Perón
The First Lady traveled throughout the country, receiving hundreds of visitors. Her primary focus was caring for the poor; thanks to her, several laws were passed easing working conditions for workers, and after her personal appeal to parliament, women were granted the right to vote. Her charitable foundation helped hundreds of the poor, and with its funds, Evita opened kindergartens, hospitals, shelters, and libraries. She donated 2,500 houses and apartments, 3,500 scholarships, and sent out over a million gift packages annually. Argentines adored her. People called Evita the "princess of the poor," the "bringer of hope," "Saint Evita," and the "spiritual leader of the nation." 
Argentine President Juan Perón and Evita Duarte
At the same time, the First Lady was harassing the Argentine aristocrats, who had taken an immediate dislike to her. She nationalized newspapers and radio stations opposed to Perón, factories and plants that refused to cooperate with her foundation, and fired anyone who crossed her. 
Evita Perón
Soon, Evita began to notice that she was quickly becoming tired, losing weight, and weakening. Doctors diagnosed her with cancer. At 33, the nation's favorite died suddenly. "Don't cry for me, Argentina, I'm leaving you, but I'm leaving you the most precious thing I have—Perón," she said in her farewell. 
Madonna in the film "Evita", 1996 
Madonna in the film "Evita", 1996 
Still from the film "Evita", 1996 
Buenos Aires. A portrait of Evita Perón is installed on the Ministry of Social Welfare and Development building.
