Karyofyllia Karabeti on love, marriage and her return to Medea: 'I've lived the madness of love many times'

In a rare television appearance on Alpha's 'Καλύτερα δε γίνεται', acclaimed Greek actress Karyofyllia Karabeti shared deeply personal reflections on love, marriage, motherhood, and the passage of time. The interview, conducted by journalist Vlasis Kostouros, comes as she prepares to revisit the iconic role of Medea in a nationwide summer tour.

On love and passion

Karabeti described herself as someone who has repeatedly surrendered to the intensity of romantic love. She said she feels blessed for those experiences and does not hold back when a genuine connection forms.

I have lived the madness of love many times and I feel blessed for it. I let myself be carried away by desire, by my passion. If a person truly touches me, I fall head over heels.

She acknowledged that time often reveals a different side of a partner, leading to repeated mistakes, but she does not regret the emotional risk.

Marriage and motherhood

From a young age, Karabeti rejected the institution of marriage, viewing it as a social convention. She also decided early on not to have children, reasoning that the inevitable end of romantic passion would only complicate matters legally.

Since I was young I was against marriage, I considered it a social convention. I never wanted to have children. I said, since love ends at some point, why then have to deal with lawyers?

She prefers to remain friends with former partners, a pattern she says has held true for most of her past relationships. Her longest partnership, with actor and musician Chris Radanov, has lasted since 2008 and includes several theatrical collaborations.

Aging and cosmetic surgery

Karabeti spoke about aging with stoic acceptance, calling it a privilege to still be alive. She expressed unease with the trend of young women turning to plastic surgery, though she stressed she respects personal choice.

Growing old is a privilege, you are still alive, you are here. I hope to reach 80 and 90. From a very young age girls resort to plastic surgery. This whole thing frightens me.

She added that people should not be so afraid of the natural flow of things.

Social commentary

The actress also addressed broader societal issues, stating that absolute equality has not yet been achieved and that sexism and racial discrimination remain pervasive. She said she personally identifies with victims of abuse.

When I see a woman being abused, slandered, murdered, I feel that each one of us is being slandered, abused, murdered. I experience this myself.

Return to Medea

This summer, Karabeti returns to the role of Medea in Euripides' tragedy, 29 years after first performing it. The production is directed by international director Nikita Milivojevic and is touring extensively across Greece.