Maria Eva Duarte de Peron (May 7, 1919 - July 26, 1952) was the first lady of Argentina and the second wife of President Juan Peron.

Eva first met Peron while working as an actoress in B-grade movies and radio soap operas.

She campaigned heavily for Peron during his 1946 presidential bid. Using her weekly radio show she delivered powerful speeches urging the poor to rise up. Later, her impoverished roots further helped Evita to assume the role of her husband's liaison with the labor party becoming a co-leader of the descamisados ("the shirtless"), a major foundation of Peron's political support.

Though Evita was worshiped by her working-class followers, she was bittery hated by Argentina's wealthy and elite. They detested her humble roots and alleged history of sexual promiscuity along with her "unfeminine" involvement in politics.

In 1950 Evita went on a much publicized "Rainbow Tour" of Europe, meeting with numerous Heads of State of Europe. This was an attempt to raise the public opinion of Peron's and Argentina's reputation that was considered by many to be fachist at that time.

Eva Peron died of uterine cancer at the age of 33. Her body travelled to Italy and Spain before coming back to Argentina after Peron's death in 1974. She now lies in the Duarte family tomb in the Recoleta cemetery.

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