- Born
- Died
- Birth nameEiríni Lelékou
- Height5′ 10″ (1.78 m)
- Irene Papas was a Greek actress and singer celebrated for her powerful portrayals in over 70 films across a career spanning more than five decades. Internationally recognized for performances in The Guns of Navarone (1961), Zorba the Greek (1964), and Z (1969), she became a defining figure in cinematic adaptations of Greek tragedy, starring in Antigone (1961), Electra (1962), The Trojan Women (1971), and Iphigenia (1977). Papas trained at the National Theatre of Greece Drama School, establishing herself on stage in classical and contemporary works before achieving film fame. Her commanding presence, expressive voice, and intense screen persona made her one of Greece's most iconic actresses. She also recorded albums featuring Greek folk and Mikis Theodorakis' music. Papas' career earned her numerous awards, including Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival and the César Award for her performances in theatre and film.
- IMDb mini biography by: Capamaroux
- SpousesJosé Kohn(1957 - 1957) (annulled)Alkis Papas(1947 - 1951) (divorced)
- ParentsStavrosEleni
- RelativesManousos Manousakis(Niece or Nephew)
- Long black hair
- Dark, expressive eyes
- She was a dear friend of Katharine Hepburn, with whom she starred in The Trojan Women (1971). Hepburn once said that she is "one of the best actresses in the history of cinema".
- Confirmed in an interview that she had an affair with Marlon Brando, a close friend until his death.
- Fluent in Greek, English, French and Italian.
- In 2018 it was announced she had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease for the past five years.
- She has no intention of returning to Greece to play in theatre, because she has suffered from continuous negative criticisms. She starred as the Greek heroine of 1821 (when Greece fought the Turks) in the film Bouboulina (1959). She was a personal friend of the Greek prime minister Andreas Papandreou.
- I never won an Oscar...and the Oscars never won Irene Papas.
- I never wanted to play sensational parts, or those of desirable women. I wanted to play me... the independent fighter.
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