Rika Diallina

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rika Diallina(Greek: Ρίκα Διαλυνά) also spelled Rika Dialina and Rika Dialyna, born in Heraklion, Crete, she won the Miss Star Hellas title, (Greek: Μις Σταρ Ελλάς) and went on to represent Greece at the Miss Universe 1954 pageant that was held in Long Beach, California. Rika along with Miss Korea, Pu Rak Hi, were denied entry into the U.S. because of their alleged Communist affiliations. Diallina was disqualified from obtaining a U.S. visa for allegedly illustrating a book on Communism. In her place went first runner up, Effie Androulakakis, who won the Miss Friendship award. U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles intervened in Rika's case and she was able to optain a temporary entry permit. She arrived just a few days prior the event making the top 16 finalists. Effie Androulakakis was asked to remain in the competition as Miss Crete but she declined stating that Rika was "the choice the people of my country to represent them here." While in the States Rika falls in love, gets married and remains the United States.

In 2002 her art work is put on display at the Benedictine Art Awards, her work being one of th 40 to make the Park Avenue Art Gallery out of 2000 that participated in the event.

[edit] Trivia

She speaks fluent English
She appeared as a party guest in Federico Fellini's "Juliette and the Spirits" where she is actually greeted by her real name "Ciao Rika".
She is the aunt of prominent Greek molecular genetist, George Diallinas
Her dream was to study acting in Athens
Took acting classes at New York University
In the States she meets Elia Kazan who introduces her to acting coach Wyan Handman.
She appears in the movie Summer Lovers with Daryl Hanna
Her daughter was born in the States