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
| Birth Location | El Paso, Texas, USA |
|---|---|
| Born | 1902-10-17 |
| Died | 1973-04-26 |
Movies
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
as Granny (uncredited)
1966
Desire in the Dust
as Nora Finney
1960
Rockabilly Baby
as Eunice Johnson
1957
Spring Reunion
as Miss Stapleton
1957
Ricochet Romance
as Miss Clay
1954
Blackbeard, the Pirate
as Alvina, a lady in waiting
1952
The WAC From Walla Walla
as WAC Sgt. Kearns
1952
Bonzo Goes to College
as Nancy
1952
Meet Me After the Show
as Tillie
1951
Half Angel
as Nurse Kay
1951
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
as Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
1950
There's a Girl in My Heart
as Mrs. Mullin
1949
Mighty Joe Young
as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
1949
An Old-Fashioned Girl
as Mrs. Shaw
1949
My Dear Secretary
as Mary
1948
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
as Opal Cheever
1948
Arch of Triumph
as Irate Wife (uncredited)
1948
Heading For Heaven
as Molly
1947
The Woman on the Beach
as Mrs. Mary Wernecke
1947
Little Iodine
as Mrs. Tremble
1946
The Diary of a Chambermaid
as Louise
1946
That Night with You
as Prudence
1945
The Beautiful Cheat
as Miss Beatrice Kent
1945
That's the Spirit
as Bilson
1945
San Diego I Love You
as Sheila Jones
1944
Hot Rhythm
as Polly Kane (as Irene)
1944
O, My Darling Clementine
as Irene (Princess Sheba)
1943
The Sultan's Daughter
as Irene
1943
Melody Parade
as Gloria Brewster
1943
Sarong Girl
as Irene Raynor
1943
Hold Your Temper
as Edgar's Wife
1943
Reveille with Beverly
as Elsie (uncredited)
1943
Melody for Three
as Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
1941
Will You Stop?
as Irene / Cleopatra
1937
His Pest Girl
as Irene
1937
The Big Courtship
as Irene Ryan
1937
1936
Peaceful Relations
as Irene
1936
1936
One Big Happy Family
as Irene
1935
Irene Ryan hasn't worked on any movies or TV shows
