Irene Handl

English character actress best known for her many portrayals of feisty cockney types, ranging from barmaids to landladies, charwomen to cooks. Unlike her working class screen personae, Irene's parentage was quite cosmopolitan, her father a Viennese banker, her mother a French aristocrat - affluent enough to enable her to travel extensively in her youth. She received her acting training at the Embassy School, under the auspices of the sister of 'Sybil Thorndike' (qv), but did not make her debut on the London stage until 1938.Her first successful role was in a West End comedy entitled 'George and Margaret' and this led to many other parts, including 'Blithe Spirit' by 'Noël Coward' (qv). From 1937, plump, cheerful 'Irene Handl' (qv) became a popular supporting character in British films, usually in small roles or cameos, often as eccentric or pixillated old ladies. On occasion she could be a scene-stealer, as in _I'm All Right Jack (1959)_ (qv) as the grumbling wife of shop steward 'Peter Sellers' (qv). She was also the definitive Mrs. Hudson, landlady to the famous detective at 221b Baker Street, in _The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970)_ (qv).'Irene Handl' (qv) enjoyed a prolific career on radio (partnering 'Arthur Askey' (qv) in 'Hello Playmates' and 'Tony Hancock' (qv) in 'Hancock's Half Hour'), as well as in television. Her best-loved appearance was opposite 'Wilfred Pickles' (qv) in the title role of Ada Cresswell in the sitcom _For the Love of Ada (1970)_ (qv). She also made guest appearances in numerous shows, ranging from _The Adventures of Robin Hood (1955)_ (qv) to _The Rag Trade (1975)_ (qv), and remained an active performer well into her eighties.::I.S.Mowis