Irene Ryan
ActingBefore 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.
Movies
Granny (uncredited)
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
1966
Nora Finney
Desire in the Dust
1960
Eunice Johnson
Rockabilly Baby
1957
Miss Stapleton
Spring Reunion
1957
Miss Clay
Ricochet Romance
1954
Alvina, a lady in waiting
Blackbeard, the Pirate
1952
WAC Sgt. Kearns
The WAC from Walla Walla
1952
Nancy
Bonzo Goes to College
1952
Tillie
Meet Me After the Show
1951
Kay
Half Angel
1951
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
1950
Mrs. Mullin
There's a Girl in My Heart
1949
Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
Mighty Joe Young
1949
Mrs. Shaw
An Old-Fashioned Girl
1949
Mary
My Dear Secretary
1948
Opal Cheever
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
1948
Irate Wife (uncredited)
Arch of Triumph
1948
Molly
Heading for Heaven
1947
Mrs. Mary Wernecke
The Woman on the Beach
1947
Mrs. Tremble
Little Iodine
1946
TV Shows
Love, American Style
1969
The Dean Martin Show
1965
Self - Panelist
The Hollywood Palace
1964
Self
The Danny Kaye Show
1963
Granny
Petticoat Junction
1963
Self
The Merv Griffin Show
1962
Granny
The Beverly Hillbillies
1962
Mister Ed
1961
Bringing Up Buddy
1960
My Three Sons
1960
The Real McCoys
1957
Martha Henderson
Alcoa Theatre
1957
Matinee Theater
1955
The Whistler
1954
Mrs. Bryant
General Electric Theater
1953
Self
The Bob Hope Show
1950
Photos
