“Zorba the Greek”, a smash hit in 1964, in which she starred alongside Anthony Quinn and Alan Bates, captivated international audiences with its soundtrack – especially “Zorba’s Dance” – composed by Mikis Theodorakis. Papas also collaborated with late composer Vangelis on folk song album Odes and on 666, the final studio album of Greek progressive rock band Aphrodite’s Child. “Majestic, stately, dynamic, Irene Papas was the personification of Greek beauty on cinema screens and on the stage, an international star who radiated Greekness,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in a statement. “With the power of her talent and the charm of her personality, she conquered the world of cinema and theatre.”
