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