Irene Ryan
Known for: Acting
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
Series
The Merv Griffin Show
Self
1962
Series
Matinee Theater
1955
Series
Love, American Style
1969
Series
The Beverly Hillbillies
Granny
1962
Series
Petticoat Junction
Granny
1963
Series
My Three Sons
1960
Series
The Bob Hope Show
Self
1950
Series
The Real McCoys
1957
Series
Mister Ed
1961
Series
The Dean Martin Show
1965
Series
The Danny Kaye Show
Self
1963
Series
Alcoa Theatre
Martha Henderson
1957
Series
The Hollywood Palace
Self - Panelist
1964
Series
The Whistler
1954
Film
Mighty Joe Young
Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
1949
Bringing Up Buddy
1960
The Don Knotts Show
Self
1970
Film
The Woman on the Beach
Mrs. Mary Wernecke
1947
Series
General Electric Theater
Mrs. Bryant
1953
Bob Hope's World of Comedy
Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
1976
Film
Arch of Triumph
Irate Wife (uncredited)
1948
Film
Spring Reunion
Miss Stapleton
1957
Film
Half Angel
Kay
1951
Film
Blackbeard, the Pirate
Alvina, a lady in waiting
1952
Film
The Diary of a Chambermaid
Louise
1946
Film
My Dear Secretary
Mary
1948
Film
Heading for Heaven
Molly
1947
Film
Hot Rhythm
Polly Kane (as Irene)
1944
Film
Desire in the Dust
Nora Finney
1960
Film
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
Granny (uncredited)
1966
Film
There's a Girl in My Heart
Mrs. Mullin
1949
Film
That's the Spirit
Bilson
1945
Film
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
1950
Film
Sarong Girl
Irene Raynor
1943
Film
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
Opal Cheever
1948
Film
Reveille with Beverly
Elsie (uncredited)
1943
Film
Rockabilly Baby
Eunice Johnson
1957
Film
Bonzo Goes to College
Nancy
1952
Film
Ricochet Romance
Miss Clay
1954
Film
The WAC from Walla Walla
WAC Sgt. Kearns
1952
Film
Meet Me After the Show
Tillie
1951
Film
Little Iodine
Mrs. Tremble
1946
Film
Melody for Three
Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
1941
Film
An Old-Fashioned Girl
Mrs. Shaw
1949
Film
That Night with You
Prudence
1945
Film
San Diego I Love You
Miss Jones
1944
Film
O, My Darling Clementine
Irene (Princess Sheba)
1943
Film
The Beautiful Cheat
Miss Beatrice Kent
1945
His Pest Girl
Irene
1937
Film
Melody Parade
Gloria Brewster
1943
One Big Happy Family
Irene
1935
Film
The Sultan's Daughter
Irene
1943
Hold Your Temper
Edgar's Wife
1943
Peaceful Relations
Irene
1936
The Big Courtship
Irene Ryan
1937
Film
Will You Stop?
Irene / Cleopatra
1937
The Wacky Family
1936
Just Plain Folks
1936