Who Is Irene Papas? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Irene Papas was born on September 3, 1929, in Chiliomodi, Greece. She grew up in a family that valued arts, which eventually led her to pursue a successful career in acting and singing. Papas became a household name through her performances in iconic films such as "Zorba the Greek" and "The Guns of Navarone." Her dramatic talent and stunning beauty made her one of the most recognized figures in the cinema of the 20th century. Sadly, she left us on September 14, 2022, but her contributions to film and music remain indelible.
| Occupation | Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1929 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Chiliomodi, Greece |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Greece |
| Date of death | 14 September, 2022 |
| Died Place | Athens, Greece |
Popularity
Irene Papas's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Irene Papas stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m). Throughout her career, she maintained a fit physique, which was a testament to her dedication to her craft and overall wellness. While specific measurements of her weight and body stats were less documented, her graceful presence on screen combined with her performance skills made her a prominent figure in the film industry.
The film critic Roger Ebert observed that there were many "pretty girls" in cinema "but not many women", and called Papas a great actress.
Ebert noted her uphill struggle, her height, 5 ft limiting the leading men she could play alongside, her accent limiting the roles she could take, and that "her unusual beauty is not the sort that superstar actresses like to compete with." Ordinary actors, he suggested, had trouble sharing the screen with Papas.
All the same, her presence in many well-known movies, wrote Ebert, inspired "something of a cult".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Irene Papas was known for keeping her personal life relatively private. She was married twice during her life. First, she was married to the Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis, a relationship that ended in divorce. She later married film director A. K. R. B. Papas; however, this union, too, was brief. Despite her high-profile relationships, Irene maintained a level of discretion about her dating life, focusing primarily on her career rather than romantic entanglements.
Her mother, Eleni Prevezanou (Ελένη Πρεβεζάνου), was a schoolteacher, and her father, Stavros Lelekos (Σταύρος Λελέκος), taught classical drama at the Sofikós school in Corinth.
She recalled that she was always acting as a child, making dolls out of rags and sticks; after a touring theatre visited the village performing Greek tragedies with the women tearing their hair, she used to tie a black scarf around her head and perform for the other children. The family moved to Athens when she was seven years old.
She was educated from age 15 at the National Theatre of Greece Drama School in Athens, taking classes in dance and singing. She found the acting style advocated by the school old-fashioned, formal, and stylised, and rebelled against it, causing her to have to repeat a year; she eventually graduated in 1948.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Irene Papas had an estimated net worth of around $15 million USD. Her earnings came from a remarkable film career spanning over several decades and various international projects. Additionally, her work as a singer added to her financial accomplishments. Even though she is no longer with us, her contributions to cinema continue to inspire artists and audiences alike.
Career, Business, and Investments
Irene Papas' career took off in the 1950s, with her starring roles in both Greek and international cinema. She collaborated with notable directors like Federico Fellini and Michael Cacoyannis. Apart from acting, Papas ventured into music, releasing several albums and performances throughout her career.
Though her investments or business ventures outside of film are not extensively documented, her status as a cultural icon ensured that her financial success was secure throughout her lifetime.
Irene Papas or Irene Pappas (, ; born Eirini Lelekou ; 3 September 1929 – 14 September 2022) was a Greek actress and singer who starred in over 70 films in a career spanning more than 50 years. She gained international recognition through such popular award-winning films as The Guns of Navarone (1961), Zorba the Greek (1964) and Z (1969).
She was a powerful protagonist in films including The Trojan Women (1971) and Iphigenia (1977). She played the title roles in Antigone (1961) and Electra (1962). She had a fine singing voice, on display in the 1968 recording Songs of Theodorakis.
Social Network
Even though social media was not a significant aspect of Irene Papas' public persona, she did have a presence on platforms dedicated to her legacy. Fans and film historians honor her work through pages on various social media platforms, which serve to celebrate her memorable cinematic contributions, ensuring that her spirit lives on in online communities.
Papas became fluent in Italian, and many of her films were made in that language. She said Cacoyannis was the only director that she was really comfortable with, describing herself as "too obedient" to stand up to other directors.
Cacoyannis said that she was part of his decision to make Iphigenia, forming his image of Clytemnestra with her power and physique, and her un-selfpitying, impersonal anger against the injustice of life, something that in his view was accessible to actors from countries like Greece that had experienced long years of oppression.
Education
Irene Papas received her early education in Greece, where she developed a passion for acting. She honed her craft through formal training, which led her to become a versatile performer. Her commitment to acting and dedication to the art form formed the foundation of her successful career in film and theater.
In 2017, it was announced that the National Theatre of Greece's drama school would move to a new "Irene Papas – Athens School" on Agiou Konstantinou Street in Athens from 2018.
