Mirtha Legrand
For over eight decades, she has been the sharp-witted, glamorous host of Argentina's most influential lunchtime talk show, shaping public conversation.
Born 1927 (age 99)·Argentine actress and television host·Birthday: February 23·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Born Rosa María Juana Martínez Suárez in 1927, Mirtha Legrand and her twin sister began their ascent during the Golden Age of Argentine cinema as teenage starlets. While her film career flourished in the 1940s and 50s, her true cultural imprint began in 1968 with a simple concept: lunch with celebrities. 'Almorzando con Mirtha Legrand' became a national institution, a daily ritual where her elegant, sometimes pointed, interviewing style dissected the lives of guests from all walks of life. More than a talk show, her table became a barometer for Argentine society, a place where politics, scandal, and art were served alongside the meal. Her endurance, maintaining the program's relevance across generations, cemented her not just as an entertainer, but as a formidable and trusted social chronicler.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Mirtha was born in 1927, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mirtha Was Born
The biggest hits of 1927
#1 Movie
Wings
Mirtha's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1927Born
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1932Started school
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1940Became a teenager
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Could drive
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1945Could vote
WWII ends; atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $4,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Sentimental Journey" — Les Brown & Doris DayBest Picture: The Lost Weekend
1948Turned 21
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1957Turned 30
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 40
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 50
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 60
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1997Turned 70
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2007Turned 80
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2026Age 99 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a leading film actress at age 14 in 'Los martes, orquídeas' during Argentina's cinematic golden age.
- Created and hosted 'Almorzando con Mirtha Legrand', the longest-running and most influential talk show in Argentine television history.
- Maintained a continuous public career in film and television for over 80 years, a rare feat in entertainment.
- Her lunchtime program became a pivotal platform for politicians, artists, and cultural figures to address the nation.
Did You Know?
Her stage name 'Mirtha Legrand' was chosen by a producer, combining 'Mirtha' from a character and 'Legrand' from a French actress.
She is the twin sister of actress Silvia Legrand (born Silvia Martínez Suárez).
Her famous talk show was originally titled 'Almorzando con las estrellas' (Lunching with the Stars) before being renamed after her.
She received a star on the Argentine Walk of Fame in 2011.
“At my table, we talk about everything, but always with a touch of elegance.”
