Carmen Miranda (1909–1955), was a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress. Nicknamed "The Brazilian Bombshell", she was known for her signature
fruit hat outfit that she wore in her American films. Despite being stereotyped, Miranda's performances popularized Brazilian music and increased public awareness of Latin culture. In 1941, she was the first Latin American star to be invited to leave her hand and footprints in the courtyard of
Grauman's Chinese Theatre and was the first South American honored with a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame. Miranda died 70 years ago today in
Beverly Hills, California. She is buried at the
Cemitério de São João Batista in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This photograph of Miranda was taken in 1941.
Photograph credit: 20th Century Fox; restored by Adam Cuerden