Curiosidades

In her old age, she was offered the role of Lady Bracknell in a revival of "The Importance of Being Earnest". She accepted the role, but was appalled when the director, Jonathan Miller, insisted that she play the role with a thick German accent. She always referred to him thereafter as "that silly man".

Born to a wealthy Austrian banker and an aristocraric Frenchwoman.

Wrote two novels: "The Sioux" (1965) and "The Gold Tipped Phitzer" (1966). Both books were noted for their originality and intricate literary style and went on to become bestsellers.

Did not take to the stage until she was age 36.

She was a passionate fan of Elvis Presley and a leading member of his UK fan club in the 1970s.

She was about 40 when her father suggested she try acting. as she'd done home theatricals with her family and she trained at the Embassy School of Acting.

Irene Handl passed away on November 29, 1987, a month away from what would have been her 86th birthday on December 27.

Father came to England from Switzerland and started as a bank clerk working his way up into the stock exchange as a stockbroker then became a private banker.

Had a sister who was 5 years older.

Irene had a sister 5 years older.