The actress and singer Irene Papas, who caused a sensation all over the world with her appearance in the 60s films "Zorba the Greek" and "The Guns of Navarone", has died at the age of 96, the Ministry of Culture has announced. in Greece on Wednesday.
Papas, with a career of over 50 years, was by the side of the late Albanian actor, Bekim Fehmiu, in the series "Odissea". While Fehmiu appeared in the role of Odysseus, Papas was in the role of Penelope.
In his over 50-year career, Papas has also collaborated with Hollywood superstars such as Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz. "Zorba the Greek" was a hit in 1964. There she played alongside Anthony Quinn and Alan Bates.
"The great and dynamic Irene Papas was the personification of Greek beauty in cinema and on stage, a world star who radiated Greekness", said the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. "With the power of her talent and charm, she conquered the world of cinema and theaters."
Papas suffered from Alzheimer's in recent years.
She was born in Corinth on the Peloponnese peninsula, in a family of teachers. Papas has been continuously reported to have Albanian roots.
