Emmanuel "Manos" Katrakis, a celebrated and accomplished Greek thespian, entered the world on August 14th, 1908, commencing a remarkable career that would span numerous decades and leave an indelible mark on the world of Greek cinema.
Katrakis's early life was characterized by his early immersion in the esteemed Ethniko Theatro, a prestigious institution that has been a cornerstone of Greek cultural heritage since its establishment in 1901, where he had the opportunity to refine his skills alongside the renowned maestro Dimitris Mitropoulos, with whom he shared a deep and abiding friendship that would last a lifetime.
Personal relationships played a significant role in Katrakis's life, and one of the most notable was his union with Anna Lori in 1943, an event that marked a significant milestone in his personal and professional journey.
As the tumultuous Greek Civil War of 1946-1949 unfolded, the trajectory of this individual's life underwent a profound and transformative shift. A dedicated member of the esteemed EAM/ELAS, he steadfastly refused to subscribe to a declaration of repentance, a decision that would have far-reaching and devastating consequences.
This courageous stance ultimately led to his forced exile to the remote and isolated island of Makronisos, a fate shared by a select group of notable figures, including the renowned poet Yiannis Ritsos, the illustrious filmmaker Nikos Koundouros, the celebrated composer Mikis Theodorakis, and the distinguished actor Thanasis Veggos.
After his prolonged period of exile finally came to a close, Katrakis made his way back to his beloved Athens in the 1950s, only to discover that the acting opportunities available to him were severely limited. Undeterred by this setback, he went on to accept both minor and substantial roles in various stage productions and cinematic endeavors.
It was in the year 1954 that he entered into a lifelong union with his third and final spouse, Linda Alma, whose true identity was none other than the enigmatic Eleni Malioufa.
As Katrakis' life drew to a close, he was fortunate enough to be involved in the creation of his magnum opus, a cinematic masterpiece that would ultimately become his most celebrated and enduring work, the film "Taxidi sta Kythira", a cinematic odyssey expertly guided by the visionary and highly acclaimed director, Theo Angelopoulos.
