Chelo Alonso, R.I.P.

Popular PEPLUM star Chelo Alonso passed away last Wednesday at the age of 85. The Cuban-born beauty was one of the 'Queens' of the genre with some claiming she was THE Queen. A dancer, she was 'discovered' after a stint at the Folies Bergère in 1957. Chelo had a successful run with a career that lasted pretty much a decade, from the late 1950s to the late 1960s but the bulk of her PEPLUM films were made in a short span of 2 years! Her first film was SIGN OF THE GLADIATOR (1959) and her last one was ATLAS IN THE LAND OF THE CYCLOPS (1961). She made 4 PEPLUM films in 1959 and 4 in 1960. R.I.P..

SIGN OF THE GLADIATOR (1959)

Chelo Alonso's first movie had her shaking her hips. She apparently had a tumultuous working relationship with director Riccardo Freda (who was one of many directors for this film),


GOLIATH & THE BARBARIANS (1959)

She's the lead female role in this film starring Steve Reeves. She was very good in it and had two dance numbers.

Behind-the-Scenes

Chelo Alonso visits Steve Reeves on the set of HERCULES UNCHAINED (1959). Both Steve and Chelo starred together in GOLIATH & THE BARBARIANS (1959)

THE PIRATE & THE SLAVE GIRL (1959)

Princess Miriam (Chelo Alonso) and Dragon Drakut (Lex Barker). Another starring role for Chelo.

ATTACK OF THE MOORS (1959)

Chelo had a good role in this epic adventure. No dance number from her

TERROR OF THE RED MASK (1960)

Chelo in a behind the scenes photo from this production

QUEEN OF THE TARTARS (1960)

Chelo Alonso and Jacques Sernas

Chelo's only leading role in a PEPLUM film. She's good in it. She pretty much shoulders the entire production.


MORGAN THE PIRATE (1960)

Chelo and Steve Reeves starred in this epic pirate adventure. The two worked well together. 

SON OF SAMSON (1960)

Chelo Alonso plays Queen Smedes

Queen Smedes (Chelo Alonso) tries to seduce Maciste (Mark Forest) just to kill him

ATLAS IN THE LAND OF THE CYCLOPS (1961)

Capys (Chelo Alonso) is about to kill an ineffectual soldier

Chelo doesn't dance in this film, which, oddly enough, is a nice change. Her last role in a PEPLUM movie.

Chelo in 2011