"Daughter of the Albanian", world-famous actress: Farewell to Irene Papas

At the age of 96, the famous actress Irine Papas has died. Starred in over 70 films, in a career spanning more than 50 years. Gained international recognition through such popular award-winning films as "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) and "Zorba the Greek" (1964). The origin of the famous actress (Irene Papa Leleku) has often been disputed, especially by Greek biographers. During the conversations she had with the Albanian actor Bekim Fehmiu, she accepted her Albanian origins. Perhaps this fact made the friendship between them greater.

Vangelis and Irene Papas: Song for the Albanian adopted by the Greeks - Telegraph

The Greek scholar Aristidh Kollia paid attention to her Albanian origin in his book "Arvanitas and the origin of the Greeks" published in Athens in 1983.

The actress herself, in an interview, when asked why she was so beautiful, answered that "I look like my mother".

"She came from Epirus, while my father probably came from Albania. Maybe I'm Albanian, or half-Albanian. The Peloponnese is full of Albanians".

The cinema researcher, Abaz Hoxha, mentioned her Albanian origins in the book "Albanians in world cinematography".

But who is Irena Papa Leleku? He was born in Athens on September 3, 1926.

She started her artistic career at the age of 10 as a singer and dancer in variety shows. He finished his higher studies at the School of Drama of the National Theater of Athens. Her first film role was "Lost Angels" (1950). She mainly played leading roles and especially heroines of classical Greek tragedies for which she had a special attraction, being also externally "cut" for the roles of classical tragedies. It debuted with great success in world cinematography, especially in Italian, French and American cinema.

He became known for the first time with his performance in the Greek film "Nekropolita" (Dead City, 1951). With this film, he caught the eye of Italian filmmakers and signed a contract with the Lux Film company, with which he acted in many films. He then engaged in many American films and Italian-American, Anglo-American, Spanish-American, Greek-American, etc. co-productions. gradually transforming into a highly sought after and internationally renowned actress.

She became in many films the personification of the interpretation of the roles of the heroines of tragedies and especially of classical Greek tragedies also as a result of her classical physique and beauty. Together with Melina Mercourin and Katina Paxinou, it belongs to those artists who crossed national borders and managed to secure a successful international career.

"Zorba", from the novel to the film - Telegraph

He has performed in films from America to France, from England to Italy, under the direction of well-known directors Robert Wise, Michael Cacoyannis, Elio Petri, Alberto Lattuada, Francesco Rosi, Costa Gavras, etc.

Irena Papa has performed the main roles of the heroines of tragedies such as Electra, Clytimestra, Penelope, Antigone, Empress Theodora, Catherine of Aragon, the role of the widow in the very successful film "Zorba", the role of the grandmother in the film "Erendiras", etc. In 1959, she also played the role of the heroine of the Greek revolution of 1821, Arvanite Laskarina Bubulina.

She has elevated herself to the rank of "stars" of the world cinema not only by her physique and appearance, but mainly thanks to her artistic skill, evoking ancient tragedies with the interpretations of roles, each different from the other. She has mostly performed classic stoic and epic roles. Together with Melina Merkurin, she went beyond the borders of her homeland, becoming a favorite actress and an international "star". In her artistic career, she has performed alongside well-known actors such as Anthony Quinn, Gian Maria Volontè, Bekim Fehmiz, Marlon Brando, Katharine Hepburn, etc.

Performed in over 80 roles in cinema and television. For her outstanding performances in cinema and theater, she has been honored with several national and international awards.

She was awarded the honorary title of "Woman of Europe" - a title given to women who have contributed immensely to European civilization.

Irena Papa was first discovered by the famous director Elia Kazan, while Federico Fellini was a great admirer of her work. Irena was also a dear friend of another great actress with international recognition, Catherine Hepburn, with whom she acted in the film "Trojan Women" (1971). Hepburn declared that: "Irena is one of the best actresses in the history of cinema"! Meanwhile, one of her closest friends was the great actor Marlon Brando.

As well as the other Greek actress with international reputation and fame, Melina Mercouri, has recorded several discs. Her discs are titled "Odes" and "Rhapsodies" which contain traditional songs and hymns of the Orthodox Church. These discs were arranged by Vangelis Papathanassiou. She has also recorded songs composed by Mikis Theodorakis.

Although she visits her native country from time to time, she does not want to return to Greece because she suffers too much from a feeling of malicious criticism there.