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Irene ManningAmerican actress and singer
Date of Birth: 17.07.1912
Country:  USA |
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Biography of Irene Manning
Irene Manning was an American actress and singer who was born in 1912 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She grew up as the youngest of five children in a highly creative household where music was loved by everyone, which greatly influenced her career choice. Irene was known for her artistic nature and her talent for singing, often singing even in her sleep, according to her sisters. She attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, where she was able to showcase her true talent as an opera singer. However, even greater things were expected from Irene's acting talent.
Early Career
In the late 1930s, Irene began her acting career under the stage name Hope Manning. She made her film debut in 1936 in Joseph Kane's musical film "The Old Corral". The following year, she appeared in Phil Rosen's drama "Two Wise Maids", and in 1937, she starred in Carl Brown's drama "Michael O'Halloran". It was during this time that Warner Bros. recognized her potential and made her a priority.
Rise to Fame
The 1940s were the most fruitful years of Irene's career. In 1942, she played in Michael Curtiz's biographical musical "Yankee Doodle Dandy", where she impressed many with her ability to play the piano and sing simultaneously. That same year, she landed two leading roles in the drama "Spy Ship" as Pam and in "The Big Shot" as Lorna Fleming, alongside the renowned Humphrey Bogart.
During World War II, Irene Manning, who was trained in opera and could sing in German, performed in concerts with Glenn Miller shortly before his death. This period also brought her well-known songs "Begin the Beguine" and "All the Things You Are".
In 1943, Irene received another leading role in the film musical "The Desert Song". Soon after, she signed a contract with MGM, as the studio tried to rival the existing star Jeanette MacDonald, with whom they had constant disagreements. Irene was considered more promising and undoubtedly a better singer. However, these plans did not come to fruition, as the studio resolved their issues with MacDonald and Irene was sidelined.
Later Career and Personal Life
In 1945, Irene appeared in "I Live in Grosvenor Square" and "Escape in the Desert", her last films for the studio. Her career consisted of 15 films, bright but short-lived, as she ceased acting in the late 1940s. In the 1950s, she made an appearance in the TV series "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars" before permanently leaving the screen.
After her acting career, Irene focused on singing and vocal teaching. She had a diverse personal life, being married multiple times. Her last husband passed away in 2001. Her first husband, Het Mannheim, insisted that she change her stage name from "Hope" to her real name, "Irene". Their marriage lasted only four years.
Irene Manning lived a long life and passed away on May 28, 2004, at the age of 91, due to cardiac arrest at her home in San Carlos, California.
