Irene Handl, a renowned English character actress, was best known for her captivating portrayals of feisty Cockney types, ranging from barmaids to landladies, charwomen to cooks. Despite her working-class screen personas, her parentage was quite cosmopolitan, with her father, Frederick, being a Viennese banker, and her mother, Maria, a French aristocrat. This affluent upbringing allowed her to travel extensively during her youth.
Irene received her acting training at the Embassy School, under the guidance of the sister of Sybil Thorndike, but did not make her debut on the London stage until 1938. Her first successful role was in the West End comedy "George and Margaret," which led to many other parts, including "Blithe Spirit" by Noël Coward.
From 1937, Irene Handl became a popular supporting character in British films, often playing small roles or cameos, frequently as eccentric or pixillated old ladies. On occasion, she could be a scene-stealer, as in "I'm All Right Jack" (1959),as the grumbling wife of shop steward Peter Sellers. She was also the definitive Mrs. Hudson, landlady to the famous detective at 221b Baker Street, in "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes" (1970).
Irene enjoyed a prolific career on radio, partnering Arthur Askey in "Hello Playmates" and Tony Hancock in "Hancock's Half Hour," as well as in television. Her best-loved appearance was opposite Wilfred Pickles in the title role of Ada Cresswell in the sitcom "For the Love of Ada" (1970). She also made guest appearances in numerous shows, ranging from "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1955) to "The Rag Trade" (1975),and remained an active performer well into her eighties.
Irene Handl was not only an accomplished actress but also a talented writer. She published two novels: "The Sioux" in 1969, described by a reviewer as a "gothic comic melodrama," and a more downbeat sequel, "The Gold Tip Pfitzer" in 1986. Besides acting and writing, Handl was a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, loved Chihuahua dogs, and was an avid fan of Rock and Roll music.
