Gila Almagor Reflects on Lifelong Acting Career and Personal Journey
Veteran Israeli actress Gila Almagor, 87, recently discussed her extensive career and personal life in an interview, touching on themes of beauty, aging, and resilience. Almagor shared a story about purchasing a floral dress from a "Gaza Envelope" market as a donation, which she later decided to wear, noting her usual preference for black. She reflected on the societal perception of beauty and aging, stating, "Beauty disappears, I have no illusions about that," while also acknowledging the challenges of maintaining her appearance as she gets older.
Almagor recounted her early struggles in the acting world, where her beauty was sometimes seen as a hindrance to being taken seriously. She detailed her beginnings in Tel Aviv, finding work and lodging, and her first steps into acting, including a significant role in Nathan Alterman's play "The Kinneret, The Kinneret." Her career has spanned numerous films and theater productions, earning her prestigious awards, including the Israel Prize in 2004. She expressed a deep love for cinema, calling the camera her "best friend."
The interview also delved into Almagor's personal life, including her late husband Yaakov Agmon, whom she described as the love of her life, and her adopted daughter. She spoke candidly about her father's assassination before her birth and the emotional impact it had on her. Almagor also discussed her friendships with prominent figures in Israeli arts and culture, including Nathan Alterman and his family, and her experiences working with directors like Steven Spielberg and Menahem Golan.
Looking towards the future, Almagor expressed her concerns about the current political climate in Israel, stating that friends abroad have distanced themselves from her due to her nationality. She voiced her hope for a change in leadership and encouraged Israelis worldwide to vote. Almagor also condemned the potential revocation of citizenship for artists, calling it a characteristic of dictatorial regimes.
