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 Merv Griffin Show
Self
The Beverly Hillbillies
Granny
Love, American Style
Matinee Theater
My Three Sons
Petticoat Junction
Granny
The Whistler
Mister Ed
The Bob Hope Show
Self
The Real McCoys
The Dean Martin Show
The Hollywood Palace
Self - Panelist
The Danny Kaye Show
Self
Alcoa Theatre
Martha Henderson
Mighty Joe Young
Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
General Electric Theater
Mrs. Bryant
Half Angel
Kay
Bringing Up Buddy
Spring Reunion
Miss Stapleton
Blackbeard, the Pirate
Alvina, a lady in waiting
Arch of Triumph
Irate Wife (uncredited)
My Dear Secretary
Mary
The Diary of a Chambermaid
Louise
The Woman on the Beach
Mrs. Mary Wernecke
That's the Spirit
Bilson
O, My Darling Clementine
Irene (Princess Sheba)
Rockabilly Baby
Eunice Johnson
The Beautiful Cheat
Miss Beatrice Kent
Heading for Heaven
Molly
Hot Rhythm
Polly Kane (as Irene)
Reveille with Beverly
Elsie (uncredited)
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
Opal Cheever
There's a Girl in My Heart
Mrs. Mullin
An Old-Fashioned Girl
Mrs. Shaw
Sarong Girl
Irene Raynor
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
Desire in the Dust
Nora Finney