Intimate Portrait: Eva Peron

Introduction

• Narrator: Jill St. John
• Subject: Eva Perón, considered one of the most powerful women of her time.
• Background: Rose from poverty in Argentina to become First Lady.
• Public Perception: Seen as a saint by admirers and a controversial figure by enemies.

Early Life

• Birth: 1919, Eva Maria Ibarguren, in the Pampas of Argentina.
• Family: The youngest of five illegitimate children.
• Father: Left when she was one year old.
• Mother: Worked hard under societal scorn.
• Realization: Marked by illegitimacy, instilled resilience and defiance in Eva.

Aspirations and Early Career

• Dreams: Desired to escape poverty and become an actress.
• Move to Buenos Aires: At 15, pursued acting career.
• Early Struggles: Faced poverty and hunger.
• Breakthrough: Achieved popularity in radio soap operas under the name Evita Duarte.

Rise to Political Prominence

• Meeting Juan Perón: Met in 1943; he was a powerful officer.
• Relationship: Quickly became romantically involved.
• Influence: Used relationship to advance her career.

Political Life and Influence

• Role in Politics: Supported Perón’s labor policies.
• Defiance: Participated in political meetings, unheard of for a woman of her status.
• Impact: Helped Perón gain popular support.

First Lady of Argentina

• Marriage: Married Juan Perón after his release from jail.
• Public Image: Destroyed past acting publicity, revamped image.
• Campaigning: Actively supported Perón’s presidential run.

Advocacy for the Poor

• Eva Perón Foundation: Created to support the poor.
• Charity Work: Distributed essentials, built schools and hospitals.
• Public Perception: Called a saint, compared to the Madonna.

Health Decline

• Illness: Diagnosed with uterine cancer but continued to work.
• Public Speeches: Increasingly radical towards the end.
• Role: Considered running for Vice-President but stepped back due to health.

Death and Legacy

• Death: Died at 33, July 26, mourned nationally.
• Funeral: Massive turnout, proposals to make her a saint.
• Embalming: Body preserved, later buried secretly in Italy, returned to Argentina.

Cultural Impact

• Musical and Film: Inspired the famous musical "Evita" and film adaptation.
• Historical Symbol: Remembered as a powerful and complex figure.

Conclusion

• Legacy: Evita remains a symbol of political femininity and power.
• Impact: Her life story continues to intrigue and inspire, embodying themes of ambition, resilience, and compassion.