1. Irene Handl was a British character actress who appeared in more than 100 British films; she wrote novels.
17 Facts About Irene Handl
1. 2.
Irene Handl's father came to England via Switzerland and started as a bank clerk, before becoming a stockbroker, then became a private banker.
3.
From 1907 to 1915, Irene Handl attended the Paddington and Maida Vale High School.
4.
Irene Handl studied at an acting school run by a sister of Dame Sybil Thorndike, and then made her stage debut in London in February 1937, at the relatively advanced age of 36.
5.
Irene Handl continued to live with her father until his death in 1961.
6.
Irene Handl appeared in supporting roles in more than 100 British films, mostly comedy character parts such as slightly eccentric mothers, grannies, landladies and servants.
7.
Irene Handl was a passionate lover of rock and roll, especially the work of Elvis Presley, and was president of the Lewisham branch of the Elvis Presley fan club.
8.
Irene Handl was a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and one of Britain's most avid champions of Chihuahuas, being inseparable from the pair that she owned.
9.
Irene Handl had minor roles in such landmark films as Night Train to Munich and Brief Encounter.
10.
Irene Handl worked until 1987, the year of her death.
11.
Irene Handl appeared in Maggie and Her opposite Julia McKenzie.
12.
Irene Handl appeared in a rare aristocratic role as the Duchess of Sheffield in Mapp and Lucia and as another aristocratic character in Eric Sykes's television film It's Your Move, in which her chauffeur was played by Brian Murphy.
13.
Irene Handl appeared as Madame de Bonneuil in the BBC's TV film Hotel du Lac in 1986.
14.
Irene Handl appeared in Super Gran as the magician The Great Ronaldo and as Tim Wylton's mother in Clinging Ivy.
15.
Irene Handl began writing what became The Sioux when she was living in Paris at the age of 19, put it aside, and did not start to write again until 1961.
16.
Irene Handl died in her flat in Kensington, West London, on 29 November 1987, aged 85, reportedly from cancer.
17.
Irene Handl was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, North London.