Irene Ryan
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.
Known for
1966Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
Granny (uncredited)
1960Desire in the Dust
Nora Finney
1957Spring Reunion
Miss Stapleton
1957Rockabilly Baby
Eunice Johnson
1954Ricochet Romance
Miss Clay
1952Bonzo Goes to College
Nancy
1952Blackbeard, the Pirate
Alvina, a lady in waiting
1952The WAC from Walla Walla
WAC Sgt. Kearns
1951Half Angel
Nurse Kay
1951Meet Me After the Show
Tillie
1950The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
1949Mighty Joe Young
Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
1949There's a Girl in My Heart
Mrs. Mullin
1949An Old-Fashioned Girl
Mrs. Shaw
1948Arch of Triumph
Irate Wife (uncredited)
1948Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
Opal Cheever
1948My Dear Secretary
Mary
1947The Woman on the Beach
Mrs. Mary Wernecke
1947Heading for Heaven
Molly
1946The Diary of a Chambermaid
Louise
1946Little Iodine
Mrs. Tremble
1945That's the Spirit
Bilson
1945That Night with You
Prudence
1945The Beautiful Cheat
Miss Beatrice Kent