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.
Filmography (58 titles)
Bob Hope's World of Comedy
Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage) · 1976
The Don Knotts Show
Self · 1970
6.2ShowLove, American Style
1969
5.3MovieDon't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
Granny (uncredited) · 1966
7.4ShowThe Dean Martin Show
1965
5.0ShowThe Hollywood Palace
Self - Panelist · 1964
7.0ShowThe Danny Kaye Show
Self · 1963
5.8ShowPetticoat Junction
Granny · 1963
6.6ShowThe Merv Griffin Show
Self · 1962
6.9ShowThe Beverly Hillbillies
Granny · 1962
6.7ShowMister Ed
1961
4.4MovieDesire in the Dust
Nora Finney · 1960
Bringing Up Buddy
1960
6.6ShowMy Three Sons
1960
6.3MovieRockabilly Baby
Eunice Johnson · 1957
5.9ShowThe Real McCoys
1957
7.0ShowAlcoa Theatre
Martha Henderson · 1957
6.2MovieSpring Reunion
Miss Stapleton · 1957
5.3ShowMatinee Theater
1955
8.0MovieRicochet Romance
Miss Clay · 1954
ShowThe Whistler
1954
6.8ShowGeneral Electric Theater
Mrs. Bryant · 1953
5.9MovieBlackbeard, the Pirate
Alvina, a lady in waiting · 1952
10.0MovieThe WAC from Walla Walla
WAC Sgt. Kearns · 1952
6.0MovieBonzo Goes to College
Nancy · 1952
5.4MovieMeet Me After the Show
Tillie · 1951
6.2MovieHalf Angel
Nurse Kay · 1951
5.3MovieThe Skipper Surprised His Wife
Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited) · 1950
7.0ShowThe Bob Hope Show
Self · 1950
7.0MovieThere's a Girl in My Heart
Mrs. Mullin · 1949