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