Irene Ryan
Acting
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.
Notable Works
Prominent titles featuring Irene Ryan
Half Angel
1951
Filmography
Acting (41)
1976
Bob Hope's World of Comedyas Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
1966
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Titleas Granny (uncredited)
5.3
1960
Desire in the Dustas Nora Finney
4.4
1957
Rockabilly Babyas Eunice Johnson
6.3
1957
Spring Reunionas Miss Stapleton
6.2
1954
Ricochet Romanceas Miss Clay
8.0
1952
Blackbeard, the Pirateas Alvina, a lady in waiting
5.9
1952
The WAC from Walla Wallaas WAC Sgt. Kearns
10.0
1952
Bonzo Goes to Collegeas Nancy
6.0
1951
Meet Me After the Showas Tillie
5.4
1951
Half Angelas Kay
6.2
1950
The Skipper Surprised His Wifeas Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
5.3
1949
There's a Girl in My Heartas Mrs. Mullin
7.0
1949
Mighty Joe Youngas Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
6.4
1949
An Old-Fashioned Girlas Mrs. Shaw
6.0
1948
My Dear Secretaryas Mary
6.1
1948
Texas, Brooklyn & Heavenas Opal Cheever
5.8
1948
Arch of Triumphas Irate Wife (uncredited)
6.0
1947
Heading for Heavenas Molly
5.6
1947
The Woman on the Beachas Mrs. Mary Wernecke
6.1
1946
Little Iodineas Mrs. Tremble
4.7
1946
The Diary of a Chambermaidas Louise
6.2
1945
That Night with Youas Prudence
10.0
1945
The Beautiful Cheatas Miss Beatrice Kent
6.0
1945
That's the Spiritas Bilson
6.7
1944
San Diego I Love Youas Miss Jones
6.8
1944
Hot Rhythmas Polly Kane (as Irene)
5.5
1943
O, My Darling Clementineas Irene (Princess Sheba)
8.0
1943
The Sultan's Daughteras Irene
5.0
1943
Melody Paradeas Gloria Brewster
8.0
1943
Sarong Girlas Irene Raynor
7.0
1943
Hold Your Temperas Edgar's Wife
10.0
1943
Reveille with Beverlyas Elsie (uncredited)
7.5
1941
Melody for Threeas Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
6.5
1937
Will You Stop?as Irene / Cleopatra
10.0
1937
His Pest Girlas Irene
8.0
1937
The Big Courtshipas Irene Ryan
8.0
1936
7.0
1936
Peaceful Relationsas Irene
7.0
1936
10.0
1935
One Big Happy Familyas Irene