An handle assembly for a vehicle door and method of actuating a release mechanism, such as a door latch, are disclosed. The handle assembly may have a pull handle including a sliding leg, a pivot leg and a hand gripping portion extending between the sliding leg and the pivot leg, with the sliding leg adapted to guide the pull handle between a closed position and an open position, and with the pivot leg adapted to be secured for pivoting about a handle pivot axis about which the pull handle is pivotable. The handle assembly may also include a torque cable having a first end centered and rotatable about the handle pivot axis, and a second end adapted to operatively engage the release mechanism, with the first end rotationally fixed to the pivot leg.