Irene Harris

Who was Mrs Irene Harris?

Mrs Irene Harris was a remarkable American woman who survived the Titanic disaster and went on to become a pioneering figure in Broadway theatre. Born on July 15, 1876, in Washington, D.C., she overcame personal tragedy to establish herself as the first woman theatrical producer and manager on Broadway, as well as the only female theater owner in New York during her time.

Early Life and Family

A Large and Diverse Family

Irene Harris, née Wallach, was born into a large family with an intriguing background:

Parents: Philip Wallach (born c. 1831 in Prussia, died 1888) and Rachel Edith Hilzheim (born July 28, 1842, in Ohio; died September 21, 1929, in New York City)
Siblings: Irene was one of nine children, including:
- Seligman ‘Sol’ Colfax (1863-1953)
- Goldina (born 1864)
- Eugenia ‘Jennie’ (born June 1867)
- (Emily) Maud (1871-1944)
- Samuel H. (1872-1935)
- Edna Iola (1874-1963)
- Herbert Philip (1883-1952)
- Edgar Smith (1884-1953)

This diverse family background, with roots in Prussia and various parts of the United States, likely contributed to Irene’s adaptability and resilience in her later life.

Marriage and the Titanic Voyage

A Fateful Journey

Irene married Henry (“Harry”) Burkhardt Harris on October 22, 1899, in Manhattan, New York. The couple’s life took a dramatic turn when they boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton for what was supposed to be a routine transatlantic crossing. They occupied cabin C-83, having purchased ticket number 36973.

The Day of the Disaster

On the afternoon of April 14, 1912, just hours before the Titanic’s fatal collision with an iceberg, Irene experienced a premonitory accident. As recounted in the biography “Broadway Dame” by Gregg Jasper and Randy Bigham:

“Five days into the voyage, Sunday, April 14, the Harrises were still enjoying their shipboard routine. But a portent of the looming tragedy came when Renée suffered a freak injury that afternoon. She had been playing poker with her husband and six others in the B-Deck suite of millionaire Thomas Cardeza; Harry had asked her to ‘sit in,’ as she put it, in order to keep out a man suspected of being a cardsharp.”

Irene slipped on the stairs, taking “a header down six or seven steps,” an incident she later recalled vividly in various accounts.

Survival and Rescue

A Narrow Escape

When the Titanic began to sink, Irene Harris was fortunate enough to secure a place in Collapsible Lifeboat D. This twist of fate saved her life but separated her from her husband, who did not survive the disaster.

Aboard the Carpathia

Upon rescue by the RMS Carpathia, Irene was given accommodation in a cabin vacated by the artist Colin Campbell Cooper and his wife Emma. Campbell later memorialized the rescue in two paintings, forever linking Irene’s story to the artistic representation of the Titanic’s aftermath.

Broadway Pioneer

Overcoming Personal Tragedy

After Harry’s death, Irene faced not only emotional devastation but also financial challenges. She discovered the extent of her late husband’s debts and, in a display of remarkable resilience, arranged to repay creditors and continue his business ventures.

Breaking Barriers in Theatre

Irene Harris became a trailblazer in the world of Broadway:

First woman theatrical producer and manager on Broadway
Only female theater owner in New York at the time
Managed the Hudson, Harris, and Fulton theaters

Her 20-year career saw her produce and manage some of the most successful plays on the American stage, including:

“Damaged Goods” (1913)
“Twin Beds” (1914)
“Friendly Enemies” (1918)

Launching Careers and Making History

In the 1920s, Irene played a crucial role in launching the careers of several notable performers:

Barbara Stanwyck
Judith Anderson
Moss Hart

Perhaps her most significant contribution to Broadway history came in 1929 when she produced “Hot Chocolates” at the Hudson Theatre, which marked Louis Armstrong’s Broadway debut.

Later Life and Legacy

Personal Life and Professional Identity

Despite remarrying three times, Irene remained professionally known as Mrs. Henry B. Harris throughout her career. This decision underscored her commitment to the theatrical legacy she shared with her late husband.

Financial Challenges and Resilience

The 1920s and 1930s brought financial difficulties:

Sold the Harris Theatre in 1920
Lost lease on the Fulton Theatre in 1921
Lost the Hudson Theatre to foreclosure in 1932

Continued Engagement with Titanic History

Irene, who changed the spelling of her first name to Renée by 1940, remained active in preserving and sharing the history of the Titanic. She participated in the promotional campaign for Walter Lord’s bestselling 1955 book “A Night to Remember” and its 1958 film adaptation.

Irene Harris passed away on September 2, 1969, at the age of 93 (ninety-three). Her life story, spanning from the Gilded Age through the Titanic disaster and into the mid-20th century, serves as a testament to the resilience and pioneering spirit of women in early 20th-century America.