Irene Marie Dunne was born on December 20, 1898, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Joseph Dunne, a steamship inspector, and Adelaide Henry, a musician who fostered Irene's artistic inclinations from a young age.
Irene's first stage appearance was at the age of five in a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in Louisville. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the performing arts.
After her father's tragic death when she was 12, Irene moved to Madison, Indiana, to live with her maternal grandparents. She continued her education, studying voice and piano, and earned money by singing in the Christ Episcopal Church choir on Sundays.
Irene attended Madison High School, graduating in 1916, and then studied music at a conservatory in Indianapolis. She later moved to East Chicago, Indiana, where she accepted a teaching position as a music and art instructor.
However, Irene's plans were derailed when she won a scholarship to study at the Chicago Music College. She went on to graduate with high honors in 1926 and then headed to New York City to pursue a career in opera.
Despite being rejected by the Metropolitan Opera Company due to her youth and inexperience, Irene won a leading role in a road theater company and went on to appear in numerous plays. She married Francis Dennis Griffin in 1928, and the couple remained together until his death in 1965.
Irene's breakthrough in Hollywood came when she performed in "Show Boat" on the East Coast. She was soon under contract to RKO Pictures and made her film debut in "Leathernecking" (1930).
Irene received her first Academy Award nomination for her role in "Cimarron" (1931) and went on to appear in a string of successful films, including "No Other Woman" (1933),"Ann Vickers" (1933),"Theodora Goes Wild" (1936),"The Awful Truth" (1937),"My Favorite Wife" (1940),and "Penny Serenade" (1941).
Irene's favorite film was "Love Affair" (1939),for which she received her fourth Academy Award nomination. She is perhaps best remembered for her role as the loving and self-sacrificing Norwegian mother in "I Remember Mama" (1948).
After her retirement from film, Irene dedicated herself to various charitable causes and civic pursuits. In 1957, she was appointed a special US delegate to the United Nations during the 12th General Assembly by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Irene passed away on September 4, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actress, dedicated philanthropist, and devoted public servant.
