Irene Ryan
Acting • Born 1902-10-17 – Died 1973-04-26
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.
Filmography
57 credits
Peaceful Relations
Movie • 1936
Irene
The Woman on the Beach
Movie • 1947
Mrs. Mary Wernecke
The Diary of a Chambermaid
Movie • 1946
Louise
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
Movie • 1966
Granny (uncredited)
That's the Spirit
Movie • 1945
Bilson
San Diego I Love You
Movie • 1944
Sheila Jones
That Night with You
Movie • 1945
Prudence
Arch of Triumph
Movie • 1948
Irate Wife (uncredited)
Bonzo Goes to College
Movie • 1952
Nancy
Blackbeard, the Pirate
Movie • 1952
Alvina, a lady in waiting
Half Angel
Movie • 1951
Nurse Kay
Spring Reunion
Movie • 1957
Miss Stapleton
Heading for Heaven
Movie • 1947
Molly
Meet Me After the Show
Movie • 1951
Tillie
Melody Parade
Movie • 1943
Gloria Brewster
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
Movie • 1948
Opal Cheever
Sarong Girl
Movie • 1943
Irene Raynor
The WAC from Walla Walla
Movie • 1952
WAC Sgt. Kearns
Reveille with Beverly
Movie • 1943
Elsie (uncredited)
Hot Rhythm
Movie • 1944
Polly Kane (as Irene)
Mighty Joe Young
Movie • 1949
Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
One Big Happy Family
Movie • 1935
Irene
The Wacky Family
Movie • 1936
Just Plain Folks
Movie • 1936
Desire in the Dust
Movie • 1960
Nora Finney
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Movie • 1950
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
My Dear Secretary
Movie • 1948
Mary
The Big Courtship
Movie • 1937
Irene Ryan
His Pest Girl
Movie • 1937
Irene
The Sultan's Daughter
Movie • 1943
Irene
O, My Darling Clementine
Movie • 1943
Irene (Princess Sheba)
The Beautiful Cheat
Movie • 1945
Miss Beatrice Kent
There's a Girl in My Heart
Movie • 1949
Mrs. Mullin
Melody for Three
Movie • 1941
Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
Rockabilly Baby
Movie • 1957
Eunice Johnson
Hold Your Temper
Movie • 1943
Edgar's Wife
Ricochet Romance
Movie • 1954
Miss Clay
Little Iodine
Movie • 1946
Mrs. Tremble
An Old-Fashioned Girl
Movie • 1949
Mrs. Shaw
Will You Stop?
Movie • 1937
Irene / Cleopatra
Mister Ed
TV • 1961
My Three Sons
TV • 1960
The Beverly Hillbillies
TV • 1962
Granny
Petticoat Junction
TV • 1963
Granny
The Merv Griffin Show
TV • 1962
Self
General Electric Theater
TV • 1953
Mrs. Bryant
Bringing Up Buddy
TV • 1960
The Hollywood Palace
TV • 1964
Self - Panelist
The Don Knotts Show
TV • 1970
Self
The Real McCoys
TV • 1957
The Dean Martin Show
TV • 1965
Matinee Theater
TV • 1955
The Whistler
TV • 1954
The Bob Hope Show
TV • 1950
Self
Alcoa Theatre
TV • 1957
Martha Henderson
The Danny Kaye Show
TV • 1963
Self
Love, American Style
TV • 1969