Irene Ryan

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.

Known For

My Three Sons

Love, American Style

Petticoat Junction

The Beverly Hillbillies

Matinee Theater

The Merv Griffin Show

Mister Ed

The Bob Hope Show

All Movies (41)

• Bob Hope's World of Comedy1976 · as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
• Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title1966 · as Granny (uncredited)
• Desire in the Dust1960 · as Nora Finney
• Rockabilly Baby1957 · as Eunice Johnson
• Spring Reunion1957 · as Miss Stapleton
• Ricochet Romance1954 · as Miss Clay
• Blackbeard, the Pirate1952 · as Alvina, a lady in waiting
• The WAC from Walla Walla1952 · as WAC Sgt. Kearns
• Bonzo Goes to College1952 · as Nancy
• Meet Me After the Show1951 · as Tillie
• Half Angel1951 · as Nurse Kay
• The Skipper Surprised His Wife1950 · as Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
• There's a Girl in My Heart1949 · as Mrs. Mullin
• Mighty Joe Young1949 · as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
• An Old-Fashioned Girl1949 · as Mrs. Shaw
• My Dear Secretary1948 · as Mary
• Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven1948 · as Opal Cheever
• Arch of Triumph1948 · as Irate Wife (uncredited)
• Heading for Heaven1947 · as Molly
• The Woman on the Beach1947 · as Mrs. Mary Wernecke
• Little Iodine1946 · as Mrs. Tremble
• The Diary of a Chambermaid1946 · as Louise
• That Night with You1945 · as Prudence
• The Beautiful Cheat1945 · as Miss Beatrice Kent
• That's the Spirit1945 · as Bilson
• San Diego I Love You1944 · as Sheila Jones
• Hot Rhythm1944 · as Polly Kane (as Irene)
• O, My Darling Clementine1943 · as Irene (Princess Sheba)
• The Sultan's Daughter1943 · as Irene
• Melody Parade1943 · as Gloria Brewster
• Sarong Girl1943 · as Irene Raynor
• Hold Your Temper1943 · as Edgar's Wife
• Reveille with Beverly1943 · as Elsie (uncredited)
• Melody for Three1941 · as Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
• Will You Stop?1937 · as Irene / Cleopatra
• His Pest Girl1937 · as Irene
• The Big Courtship1937 · as Irene Ryan
• The Wacky Family1936
• Peaceful Relations1936 · as Irene
• Just Plain Folks1936
• One Big Happy Family1935 · as Irene

All TV Shows (17)

• The Don Knotts Show1970 · as Self
• Love, American Style1969
• The Dean Martin Show1965
• The Hollywood Palace1964 · as Self - Panelist
• The Danny Kaye Show1963 · as Self
• Petticoat Junction1963 · as Granny
• The Merv Griffin Show1962 · as Self
• The Beverly Hillbillies1962 · as Granny
• Mister Ed1961
• Bringing Up Buddy1960
• My Three Sons1960
• The Real McCoys1957
• Alcoa Theatre1957 · as Martha Henderson
• Matinee Theater1955
• The Whistler1954
• General Electric Theater1953 · as Mrs. Bryant
• The Bob Hope Show1950 · as Self