Irene Handl

(1901–87)

British actress (died aged 85) | Dear Octopus (1943), I’m All Right Jack (1959), Make Mine Mink (1960)

Dumpy British character comedienne, frequently seen as a maid or charlady; became a star in her later years

Mini Biography

Born in London, the daughter of an Austrian banker and his aristocratic French wife, Irene Handl studied at the Embassy School of Acting, and was on stage from 1937. She also wrote two novels: The Sioux (1965) and The Gold-Tipped Phitzer (1966), noted for their originality and ornate literary style.

Latest Irene Handl Pictures

Main title from the 1970 ‘Wedding Plans’ episode of For the Love of Ada (1970-1971) — For the Love of Ada (1970-1971) | Wedding Plans (1970) opening credits

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Personal Details

Born

Died

Born

Irene Handl was born in Maida Vale, London on 27^th December, 1901.
Died

Irene Handl died of breast cancer in Kensington, London on 29^th November, 1987, aged 85.

Watch Irene Handl on British television

- Doctor in Love (1960)
- Dr Burke and Dr Hare have various adventures, mostly amorous, in city and country practices.
- Today at 5pm on Talking Pictures TV
- The Key (1958)
- World War II tugboat skippers, about to embark on dangerous missions, pass on the key to an apartment and a girl to go with it.
- Tonight at 9.50pm on Talking Pictures TV
- For the Love of Ada (1970–71)
- Two old age pensioners find that as romance blossoms, so too does emotional turmoil.
- After the Honeymoon (1971, S3, E1)
- Today at 9.20am on That’s TV 2
- Back from a happy honeymoon, the bliss is short-lived when Walter’s love of the wireless clashes with Ada’s TV addiction.
- The Birthday (1970, S2, E4)
- Sunday at 3.30pm on Talking Pictures TV
- It’s Ada’s birthday and there’s a bit of a clash between Walter’s plans, Ada’s plans and the interfering Freda Skinner.
- Doctor in Trouble (1970)
- Dr Burke inadvertently becomes a stowaway on an Atlantic cruise.
- 26^th August at 1.30pm on Talking Pictures TV