Irene Papas (1926 - )

Irene Papas was born on September 3, 1926 in Chilimodion, Corynth, Greece. Her given birth name was Irene Lelekou.

Alkis Papas married Irene Papas in 1943 and they were later divorced in 1947.

Elia Kazan discovered Irene Papas. Frederico Fellini was a great admirer of her work.

Katharine Hepburn, who starred with Irene Papas in THE TROJAN WOMEN, was a very good friend.

The Greek Prime Minister, Andreas Papandreou is one of Irene Papas personal friends.

Irene Papas received a tribute at the Creteil International Women's Film Festival in France in the year of 2000. In 2002, she was named Europe's Woman. This title is given to women that contribute to the European culture.

Being an International Star of Fame, Irene Papas has recorded some CDs, which are very popular in Greece and to classical music fans. The names of her CDs are ODES and RHAPSODIES. She has recorded 15 traditional songs and hymns of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Irene Papas works in Portugal where she owns a theatre and plays in Greek Tragedies in their native language. At present, Papas has no intention of returning to Greece.

Some of Irene Papas' credits include -

UM FILME FALADO - 2003
LIVING FAMOUSLY: ANTHONY QUINN - TV- 2003
CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN - 2001
YERMA - 1999
THE ODYSSEY - 1997
LETTERA DA PARIGI - 1992
OCEANO - TV - 1989
SEET COUNTRY - 1987
INTO THE NIGHT - 1985
ERENDIRA - 1983
LION OF THE DESERT - 1981
THE MESSAGE - 1976
ROMA BENE - 1971
ANNE OF THE THOUSAND DAYS - 1969
THE MOON SPINNERS - 1964
TRIBUTE TO A BAD MAN - 1956
VORTICE - 1953

Awards achieved by Irene Papas include -

Hamptons International Film Festival - Distinguished Achievement Award - 1993
National Board of Review - THE TROJAN WOMEN - 1971