Alkis Papas was a Greek filmmaker, writer, actor, and Irene Papas’ ex-husband. He was famous for films such as The Tycoon Lady (1971), Hey, Girls! (1959), and Bitter Bread (1951). After making his mark as an entertainer, he died in 2018 at 96.
Even with Alkis’ works, his fame is associated with his ex-wife Irene who was famous as a singer and one of the most established Greek actors of all time. She died in September 2022 but before then, she had worked in Europe as well as America and was known for films such as Fallen Angel (1948), Elektra (1962), Tribute to a Bad Man (1956), and We Still Kill the Old Way (Italian, 1967).
Early Life of Irene Papas’ Ex-Husband
Alkis Papas was born in 1922 and led a private childhood. He was about 4 years older than his wife, Irene Papas who was born Irene Lelekou on September 3, 1926, in Greece.
While his parents, siblings, and childhood remains under wraps, Irene mother was a schoolteacher named Eleni Prevezanou. Her father on the other hand taught classical drama.
How Alkis Papas Met and Married Irene at the Age of 25
Alkis met Irene while she was studying at the school of the National Theatre. He gave her private lessons and would use her ex-husband’s tailcoat to play. Along the line, they fell in love.
In 1947 when Alkis was 25, he became married to Irene in Thessaloniki, Greece, and adopted his last name, Papas. At the time of the ceremony, Alkis’ then-wife was 21 years old.
At first, Irene’s parents had reservations about her choice of man but later got comfortable. 3 years into the marriage, the former couple parted ways amicably and by 1951, they were formally divorced.
Following the split, Irene asked that she kept her ex-husband’s last name since she was already getting known with the name and had also used it in her work abroad.
Since their divorce, Alkis had kept his personal life away from the public. Yet, his ex-wife was in a well-known relationship with American actor, Marlon Brando.
The relationship started in 1954, 3 years after her marriage to Alkis ended.
She also married film producer José Kohn in 1957. Despite this, the marriage was later annulled.
He Had a Career in the Military and Was a Radio Producer
Alkis had a career in military service that lasted 3 years. At the time, neither he nor Irene was famous but he did not stop pushing and introducing her to fame through acting.
He also later focused as a radio producer and advertiser before he found fame in the movie world.
Irene Papas’ Ex-Husband Became Notable For His Writing, Directing, and Acting Prowess
Alkis may have found interest in the movie industry earlier than in the 1950s, but he started to draw attention as an actor in 1951 when he interpreted roles in Bitter Bread and Ririka.
In 1956, he also played a role in The Duchess of Plakendia and had since maintained a great space in the film industry of Greece.
Knowing that he had more to offer in his career, he explored the arts of writing and directing. He is known for writing films and TV series that are no fewer than 9.
In addition, he directed Hey. Girls! in 1959 when he was 37.
He spent about 3 decades of his life maintaining a leading space as a filmmaker and not being in the shadows of his wife whose fame became enormous as she penetrated Hollywood.
Alkis Papas’ Notable Films
As a director
- The Duchess of Plakendia (1956)
- Ririka (1951)
- Bitter Bread (1951)
As a Writer and Director
- I taverna you Sokrati (1987)
- Polyethnikos Gabros (1987)
- To Theatro it’s Defteras (1987)
- O Tsifoutis (1986)
- Sou Harizo to Gyanaika Mou (1986)
- Treis Andres Sto Krevati Mou (1986)
- Tis Tyhis ta Kamomata (1986)
- The Tycoon Lady (1971)
- Hey, Girls (writer and director, 1951)
See Also: Gratiela Brancusi – 10 Things They Didn’t Tell You About The 1883 Actress
How Much Was Alkis Papas’ Net Worth?
The exact net worth of Alkis is not known but he may have earned over $100,000 in his career.
He made his wealth from his career as a teacher, in the military, radio, advertising, and movie worlds.
On the other hand, his ex-wife became a force to reckon with in the movie and music industries. She recorded a net worth above $1 million. She is most remembered for her roles in A Talking Picture (2003), Antigone, Trojan Women, and The Odyssey (1997).
He Died at 96 in 2018
Irene’s ex-husband died at 96 in 2018 about 67 years after his divorce from the actress.
He was buried quietly by his relatives in Greece.
4 years following his demise, Irene died on September 14, 2022. Prior to her death, the international actress was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013.
Alkis Papas may have been a successful man in the movie industry of Greece but his fame is associated with his being married to Irene Papas for 3 years. Although he died in 2018, his name still lingers for his contributions to the entertainment industry as in the cases of Anne Heche and Jesse Powell; who despite their death, they have immortalized their names in their works.
