Carmen Miranda, internationally acclaimed Brazilian actress and singer, passed away on August 5, 1955, at the age of 46. Born Maria do Carmo Miranda deCasseres on February 9, 1909, in Marco de Canaveses, Portugal, Carmen moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the age of three. She sang in the streets to make money for her family, before signing her first recording contract at the age of fourteen. She quickly became a star and her fame spread throughout South America. In 1939, she moved to the United States, making her on-screen debut in the 20th Century Fox movie “The Gang’s All Here”. This launched Miranda into international stardom and her costumes and performances soon made her a pop culture icon. Movies such as “Down Argentine Way”, and “Weekend in Havana”, and her appearances in Broadway musicals brought her widespread acclaim. In addition to her film career, Carmen Miranda also recorded a number of popular albums, and her distinctive singing style was emulated by other performers. Carmen Miranda’s death in 1955 left a lasting mark in the world of music and film, and she will always be remembered as one of the most iconic entertainers of her time.