Irene Papas, Zorba The Greek star, dies aged 96-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

The Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports confirmed Papas’ death (Picture: Bettmann Archive)

Irene Papas, a Greek actress who found fame in Hollywood through films including Zorba The Greek and The Guns of Navarone, has died aged 93.

Boasting a career that spanned over 60 years, the actress and singer found European and American stardom as she appeared in French and Italian cinema too.

The Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports confirmed her death on Wednesday.

‘Majestic, stately, dynamic, Irene Papas was the personification of Greek beauty on cinema screens and on the stage, an international star who radiated Greekness,’ Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a statement posted on Twitter.

It continued: ‘With the power of her talent and the charm of her personality, she conquered the world of cinema and theatre.’

Papas was born in a village near Corinth, Greece, in 1926.

Alongside her Hollywood roles, which saw her act opposite screen icons including Gregory Peck, James Cagney and Kirk Douglas, she was also known for appearing in film versions of ancient Greek tragedies like Antigone and Electra.

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