Let me tell you a story that’s equal parts charming and unexpected. Picture this: Irene Tsu, a 73-year-old actress who once walked the glamorous red carpets of Hollywood, sat down with Closer Weekly to share a tale from her past. She recalls meeting Frank Sinatra—a man as famous as they come—in the most random of ways at a Miami hotel around 1970. Irene, a meditating, vegetarian hippie, couldn’t have been more different from Frank, the legendary singer known for his indulgence in meat and booze. But that’s exactly what made their connection so fascinating. “That’s how our two-year romance started,” Irene said with a smile, reminiscing about the days when their worlds collided.
How Irene Made Frank Feel Young Again
Frank Sinatra, in his 50s at the time, had recently parted ways with Mia Farrow. Here he was, a man who had seen it all, finding himself drawn to Irene, a vibrant woman in her 20s. Irene wasn’t just another starlet; she was an actress who had worked alongside icons like Elvis Presley in Paradise, Hawaiian Style and John Wayne in The Green Berets. She wasn’t intimidated by Frank’s fame; instead, she brought a refreshing energy to his life. “I made him laugh a lot,” Irene fondly remembered. “I brought him an elaborate train set from Japan, and we spent hours putting it together. We were on the floor, laughing, and eating popcorn. It was pure joy,” she added, painting a vivid picture of their carefree moments together.
Irene in ‘Laredo’ in 1967 with William Smith. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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The Palm Springs Getaways
Most of their time together was spent at Frank’s cozy yet luxurious home in Palm Springs, California. It was a place where the A-listers of Hollywood, from Gregory Peck to Kirk Douglas and Herb Alpert, would gather. Irene recalls how generous Frank was with his guests. “He was the ultimate host. If you wanted something, it would appear without you even having to ask. We’d have dinner parties that lasted all weekend,” she said, her voice brimming with nostalgia. Frank, she added, had a penchant for scrambled eggs with olive oil, crossword puzzles, and anything orange, which happened to be his favorite color. But there was one thing he didn’t enjoy—people sneaking up on him from behind. “He had been mobbed so much as a young singer that it left a mark. He’d instinctively swing if someone came at him from behind,” Irene explained.
The End of a Chapter
Despite the magic they shared, Irene and Frank eventually parted ways. “His life was just so different from mine. We knew we weren’t meant to be married,” Irene said, accepting the inevitable with grace. However, they parted on good terms. When Irene got married to someone else, Frank didn’t hesitate to send her a thoughtful gift. “I told him, ‘I could use a washer and dryer.’ I was so practical about it. He thought it was hilarious,” she chuckled, remembering the playful banter they shared.
