Acting · El Paso, Texas, USA · Born October 17, 1902
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.
Bob Hope's World of Comedy
1976
as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
The Don Knotts Show
1970
as Self
TVLove, American Style
1969
MovieDon't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
1966
as Granny (uncredited)
TVThe Dean Martin Show
1965
TVThe Hollywood Palace
1964
as Self - Panelist
TVThe Danny Kaye Show
1963
as Self
TVPetticoat Junction
1963
as Granny
TVThe Merv Griffin Show
1962
as Self
TVThe Beverly Hillbillies
1962
as Granny
TVMister Ed
1961
MovieDesire in the Dust
1960
as Nora Finney
Bringing Up Buddy
1960
TVMy Three Sons
1960
MovieRockabilly Baby
1957
as Eunice Johnson
TVThe Real McCoys
1957
TVAlcoa Theatre
1957
as Martha Henderson
MovieSpring Reunion
1957
as Miss Stapleton
TVMatinee Theater
1955
MovieRicochet Romance
1954
as Miss Clay
TVThe Whistler
1954
TVGeneral Electric Theater
1953
as Mrs. Bryant
MovieBlackbeard, the Pirate
1952
as Alvina, a lady in waiting
MovieThe WAC from Walla Walla
1952
as WAC Sgt. Kearns
MovieBonzo Goes to College
1952
as Nancy
MovieMeet Me After the Show
1951
as Tillie
MovieHalf Angel
1951
as Kay
MovieThe Skipper Surprised His Wife
1950
as Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
TVThe Bob Hope Show
1950
as Self
MovieThere's a Girl in My Heart
1949
as Mrs. Mullin
MovieMighty Joe Young
1949
as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
MovieAn Old-Fashioned Girl
1949
as Mrs. Shaw
MovieMy Dear Secretary
1948
as Mary
MovieTexas, Brooklyn & Heaven
1948
as Opal Cheever
MovieArch of Triumph
1948
as Irate Wife (uncredited)
MovieHeading for Heaven
1947
as Molly
MovieThe Woman on the Beach
1947
as Mrs. Mary Wernecke
MovieLittle Iodine
1946
as Mrs. Tremble
MovieThe Diary of a Chambermaid
1946
as Louise
MovieThat Night with You
1945
as Prudence
MovieThe Beautiful Cheat
1945
as Miss Beatrice Kent
MovieThat's the Spirit
1945
as Bilson
MovieSan Diego I Love You
1944
as Miss Jones
MovieHot Rhythm
1944
as Polly Kane (as Irene)
MovieO, My Darling Clementine
1943
as Irene (Princess Sheba)
MovieThe Sultan's Daughter
1943
as Irene
MovieMelody Parade
1943
as Gloria Brewster
MovieSarong Girl
1943
as Irene Raynor
Hold Your Temper
1943
as Edgar's Wife
MovieReveille with Beverly
1943
as Elsie (uncredited)
MovieMelody for Three
1941
as Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
MovieWill You Stop?
1937
as Irene / Cleopatra
His Pest Girl
1937
as Irene
The Big Courtship
1937
as Irene Ryan
The Wacky Family
1936
Peaceful Relations
1936
as Irene
Just Plain Folks
1936
One Big Happy Family
1935
as Irene
