Irene Ryan
Acting
Born: 1902-10-17 in El Paso, Texas, USA
Biography
Before becoming known to millions as Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), Irene Ryan was already an established vaudeville, radio and movie actress, though not as famous prior to her television stint. She accompanied Bob Hope on his famous military tours and she was known as "the gal who makes Bob Hope laugh." After being cast as Granny, she became famous overnight. When the Hillbillies ended, she co-starred in the Broadway musical 'Pippin' with Ben Vereen. Unfortunately, despite wonderful reviews from critics, Ryan took ill, was discovered to have an inoperable brain tumor and died soon after at the age of 70.
Known For
The Beverly Hillbillies
Granny
Mighty Joe Young
Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
Mister Ed
The Woman on the Beach
Mrs. Mary Wernecke
Blackbeard, the Pirate
Alvina, a lady in waiting
Petticoat Junction
Granny
My Three Sons
Arch of Triumph
Irate Wife (uncredited)
The Diary of a Chambermaid
Louise
My Dear Secretary
Mary
Love, American Style
The Dean Martin Show
The Real McCoys
The Merv Griffin Show
Self
Meet Me After the Show
Tillie
Matinee Theater
Alcoa Theatre
Martha Henderson
Half Angel
Kay
Heading for Heaven
Molly
Reveille with Beverly
Elsie (uncredited)
General Electric Theater
Mrs. Bryant
San Diego I Love You
Miss Jones
Spring Reunion
Miss Stapleton
Desire in the Dust
Nora Finney
The Hollywood Palace
Self - Panelist
The Bob Hope Show
Self
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
Opal Cheever
Hot Rhythm
Polly Kane (as Irene)
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
The Danny Kaye Show
Self
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
Granny (uncredited)
That's the Spirit
Bilson
Rockabilly Baby
Eunice Johnson
Little Iodine
Mrs. Tremble
Bonzo Goes to College
Nancy
The Sultan's Daughter
Irene
The Beautiful Cheat
Miss Beatrice Kent
There's a Girl in My Heart
Mrs. Mullin
Melody for Three
Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
Ricochet Romance
Miss Clay