What is Irene Papas famous for?

Irene Papas was a Greek actress, politician and singer whose career spanned more than six decades and starred in over 70 films.

Papas gained worldwide 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).

Her excellent performances led her to winning the Best Actress awards at the Berlin International Film Festival for Antigone and from the National Board of Review for The Trojan Women.

Other awards she won include the Golden Arrow Award in 1993 at Hamptons International Film Festival, and the Golden Lion Award in 2009 at the Venice Biennale.

Sadly, Papas died on Sept. 14 at age 96, eleven days after she celebrated her 96th birthday.

Greek cultre minister, Lina Mendoni paid tribute to the late actress, saying;

“Majestic, stately, dynamic, Irene Papas was the personification of Greek beauty on cinema screens and on the stage, an international star who radiated Greekness,”

“With the power of her talent and the charm of her personality, she conquered the world of cinema and theater.”