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.
Acted in 45
1960s
- 1969
- 1966
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
Granny (uncredited)
- 1965
- 1963
- 1962
- 1961
- 1960
Desire in the Dust
Nora Finney
Bringing Up Buddy
TV
1950s
- 1957
Rockabilly Baby
Eunice Johnson
- 1955
- 1954
Ricochet Romance
Miss Clay
- 1953
General Electric Theater
Mrs. Bryant · 1 episode
- 1952
The WAC from Walla Walla
WAC Sgt. Kearns
Bonzo Goes to College
Nancy
- 1951
Meet Me After the Show
Tillie
Half Angel
Kay
- 1950
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
1940s
- 1949
There's a Girl in My Heart
Mrs. Mullin
Mighty Joe Young
Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
An Old-Fashioned Girl
Mrs. Shaw
- 1948
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
Opal Cheever
Arch of Triumph
Irate Wife (uncredited)
- 1947
Heading for Heaven
Molly
The Woman on the Beach
Mrs. Mary Wernecke
- 1946
Little Iodine
Mrs. Tremble
- 1945
That Night with You
Prudence
The Beautiful Cheat
Miss Beatrice Kent
That's the Spirit
Bilson
- 1944
San Diego I Love You
Miss Jones
Hot Rhythm
Polly Kane (as Irene)
- 1943
O, My Darling Clementine
Irene (Princess Sheba)
The Sultan's Daughter
Irene
Melody Parade
Gloria Brewster
Sarong Girl
Irene Raynor
Reveille with Beverly
Elsie (uncredited)
- 1941
Melody for Three
Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
1930s
- 1937
Will You Stop?
Irene / Cleopatra
