Evita: The Woman Behind the Myth

• Documentary

Episode overview

To some, she was a hero. To others, she was a symbol of naked ambition. To the world, she remains a legend. María Eva Duarte de Perón—Evita—is one of the most controversial figures in history. A minor actress when she married Argentine president-to-be Juan Peron, her political power and prestige eventually equaled, or perhaps eclipsed, his. Was she a power-hungry opportunist, as detractors claim? Or was she really the savior of the working poor? In this remarkable program, rare photographs and films tell Evita’s real story, from her humble birth to her tragic death from cancer at 33. Close aides and bitter enemies offer firsthand accounts, and popular artists—including playwright Tim Rice—consider why she continues to fascinate us today. Join Biography for an unforgettable look at a 20th-century icon!

60 minutes