Olivera Katarina, Iconic Yugoslav Actress and Singer, Dies at 86

Early Life

Olivera Katarina was born Olivera Petrović on March 5, 1940, in Belgrade, Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The daughter of naval captain Budimir Petrović and Katarina Jovančić, she initially pursued studies in law before transitioning to the arts. She attended the Theater Academy in Belgrade, where she studied under professor Ognjenka Milićević alongside notable peers such as Milena Dravić and Petar Kralj. In 1969, following the death of her mother, she adopted the stage name Olivera Katarina to honor her memory.

Career and Accomplishments

Katarina became a permanent member of the National Theatre in Belgrade in 1962, debuting in the lead role of Koštana. She rose to international prominence during the 1960s and 1970s as one of the most recognizable faces of Yugoslav cinema. Her musical career was equally distinguished; she performed over 100 concerts worldwide, including 72 consecutive performances at the Olympia in Paris. Her vocal talent earned her the title of the "finest voice of the Mediterranean" from Italy's RAI, and she collaborated with renowned musicians such as Ennio Morricone and Mikis Theodorakis.

Notable Works

She is best remembered for her role as Lenče in the 1967 film I Even Met Happy Gypsies (also known as The Feather Collectors), which achieved critical acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival. Her other significant film credits include Soldier (1966), Morning (1967), Hasanaginica (1967), and Goya, for which she received awards at the Moscow and Venice film festivals. Her final film appearance was in the 2008 production Charleston for Ognjenka.

Personal Life and Legacy

Katarina was known for her striking presence, famously captivating Salvador Dalí, who reportedly knelt before her after a concert in Paris. She was survived by her son, the painter Mane Šakić. In accordance with her final wishes, she was laid to rest in Belgrade without formal eulogies. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with the Golden Seal of the Yugoslav Film Archive in 2017 and the Nušić Prize in 2020, cementing her legacy as a titan of Serbian and Yugoslav culture.