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.
Filmography
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Bob Hope's World of Comedy
1976
as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
1966
as Granny (uncredited)
Desire in the Dust
1960
as Nora Finney
Rockabilly Baby
1957
as Eunice Johnson
Spring Reunion
1957
as Miss Stapleton
Ricochet Romance
1954
as Miss Clay
Blackbeard, the Pirate
1952
as Alvina, a lady in waiting
The WAC from Walla Walla
1952
as WAC Sgt. Kearns
Bonzo Goes to College
1952
as Nancy
Meet Me After the Show
1951
as Tillie
Half Angel
1951
as Kay
The Skipper Surprised His Wife
1950
as Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
There's a Girl in My Heart
1949
as Mrs. Mullin
Mighty Joe Young
1949
as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
An Old-Fashioned Girl
1949
as Mrs. Shaw
My Dear Secretary
1948
as Mary
Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
1948
as Opal Cheever
Arch of Triumph
1948
as Irate Wife (uncredited)
Heading for Heaven
1947
as Molly
The Woman on the Beach
1947
as Mrs. Mary Wernecke
Little Iodine
1946
as Mrs. Tremble
The Diary of a Chambermaid
1946
as Louise
That Night with You
1945
as Prudence
The Beautiful Cheat
1945
as Miss Beatrice Kent