- Born
- Died
- Athene began acting in 1909 and was a judge at the Central School of Acting where she gave two promising newcomers, Laurence Olivier and Peggy Ashcroft, their first diplomas at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She was asked to select a student of the year and chose John Gielgud. Her film career began in 1921 with The Adventures of Mr Pickwick, in which she played Rachel Wardle. She continued stealing scenes for some 40 years, most notably in Quiet Wedding (1941), Dear Ocopus (1943) Nicholas Nickleby (1947) Treasure Hunt (1952, Yield to the Night (1956) Make Mine Mink (1960) and Nurse on Wheels (1963).
- IMDb mini biography by: Tonyman 5
- SpousesNicholas Hannen(1960 - June 25, 1972) (his death)James Bury Sterndale-Bennett(February 14, 1914 - ?) (1 child)
- Appeared on stage at the Royal National Theatre at the venerable age of 101.
- After her first marriage ended, she lived with fellow actor, Nicholas "Beau" Hannen, from 1922 but they couldn't marry because Hannen's wife refused a divorce. In 1928 she legally changed her name to Athene Hannen. They were married after his wife's death in 1960.
- She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1959 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to drama.
- Her father, secretary and advisor to a Greek millionaire, was obsessed with all things Greek and gave all of his daughters classical Greek names.
- Plump, curmudgeonly British character actress, whose quirky personality and lived-in face enlivened many a performance as spinster aunt, indomitable dowager or pixillated old dear, over a period of six decades. She began on stage in 1908, in "The Truants", that year winning the RADA gold medal. In 1950, she was made President of the Council of RADA.
- My work was my holiday to me, I enjoyed it so much. I had a smashing time.
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