Irene Creese, a British singer and actress, was born in London, England, with a notable father, Alfred Edward Creese, an automotive and aviation engineer who invented the first operational monoplane and was associated with Albert Einstein.
In addition to her acting career, Irene René was a prolific writer, authoring novels, original stories, and screenplays. Her notable works include "The Strange World of Planet X" (1958),a novelization of her later television series, which placed her among the few female science fiction writers active during that time.
Irene René began her acting career on stage at the Savoy Theatre as a barmaid in "Wonder Bar" (1930) at a young age. She was known for her expressive eyes and frail, wistful appearance, often taking on victimized, careworn, or downtrodden roles. Some of her most notable performances include "The Passing of the Third Floor Back" (1935) and "Man of Affairs" (1936).
She also appeared in several minor musicals, showcasing her good singing voice, and even auditioned for the role of the second Mrs. de Winter in Alfred Hitchcock's classic "Rebecca" (1940),although she lost the part to Joan Fontaine.
On Broadway, Irene René received critical acclaim for her acting in J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls," directed by Cedric Hardwicke. During World War II, she spent most of her career on stage at London's West End.
Eventually, Irene René gave up acting in the mid-1950s to focus on her writing career. In 1975, she married the 2nd Earl of Midleton, which granted her the title of countess. Her husband passed away in 1979.
