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.
58 acting credits
Acting · 58
Love, American Style
1969
The Beverly Hillbillies
1962
Petticoat Junction
1963
The Merv Griffin Show
1962
My Three Sons
1960
Matinee Theater
1955
Mister Ed
1961
The Real McCoys
1957
The Bob Hope Show
1950
Alcoa Theatre
1957
The Dean Martin Show
1965
The Hollywood Palace
1964
The Danny Kaye Show
1963
The Whistler
1954
The Don Knotts Show
1970
General Electric Theater
1953
Bringing Up Buddy
1960
Mighty Joe Young
1949
The Diary of a Chambermaid
1946
Blackbeard, the Pirate
1952
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
1948
Reveille with Beverly
1943
My Dear Secretary
1948
Arch of Triumph
1948
Bob Hope's World of Comedy
1976
San Diego I Love You
1944
The Woman on the Beach
1947
Rockabilly Baby
1957
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
1966
Half Angel
1951
Desire in the Dust
1960
Spring Reunion
1957
Little Iodine
1946
Heading for Heaven
1947
Sarong Girl
1943
Melody Parade
1943
That's the Spirit
1945
There's a Girl in My Heart
1949
Melody for Three
1941
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
1950
Meet Me After the Show
1951
The Beautiful Cheat
1945
Ricochet Romance
1954
That Night with You
1945
Bonzo Goes to College
1952
The WAC from Walla Walla
1952
Hold Your Temper
1943
Hot Rhythm
1944
O, My Darling Clementine
1943
The Sultan's Daughter
1943
Will You Stop?
1937
An Old-Fashioned Girl
1949
Peaceful Relations
1936
The Wacky Family
1936
Just Plain Folks
1936
His Pest Girl
1937
One Big Happy Family
1935
The Big Courtship
1937