She jokingly lamented that during filming of The Big Shot (1942) she never got to
share romantic moments but not a filmed kiss with her co-star Humphrey Bogart,
but that she had to take a bullet anyway during the final reel.
Recorded four songs in German, including "Begin the Beguine" and "All
the Things You Are" for Glenn Miller's Orchestra just before he died in a
plane crash in 1944 while crossing the English channel.
Her first husband, Het Mannheim, was the Head of Publicity at Republic
Studios in 1937 where she filmed her first picture with Gene Autry. He
changed her stage name from Hope Manning to Irene Manning. They later
married but their long distance relationship ended soon in
divorce.
Teaching voice and acting. (1995)
Toured with her own four-woman USO unit, performing for the Air Force
and various hospital throughout England.
Penned a column while living in London entitled "Girl About
Town".
Came from a musical family. Her parents were singers. Irene sang, as
well, and both she and a sister played piano. Her two brothers played
the violin and another sister the cello and a clarinet.
Upon her death, she was cremated and her ashes scattered at sea.