Irene Ryan
Biography
Irene Ryan was an actress born in El Paso, Texas, on October 17, 1902. Also known as Irene Noblett, she established herself in vaudeville, radio, and film before achieving widespread fame overnight for her television role as Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies in 1962. She also accompanied Bob Hope on his military tours, earning recognition as the gal who makes Bob Hope laugh. Following the end of the television series, she co-starred in the Broadway musical Pippin alongside Ben Vereen and received wonderful reviews from critics. Ryan later fell ill, was found to have an inoperable brain tumor, and died on April 26, 1973, at the age of 70.
Career overview
Irene Ryan was an established vaudeville, radio, and movie actress before achieving widespread fame as Granny on the television show The Beverly Hillbillies in 1962. Prior to her television stint, she accompanied Bob Hope on his famous military tours and earned renown as the gal who makes Bob Hope laugh. Following her casting in The Beverly Hillbillies, she became famous overnight.
After the series ended, Ryan co-starred in the Broadway musical Pippin alongside Ben Vereen. Despite receiving wonderful reviews from critics for her work in the production, she fell ill and was discovered to have an inoperable brain tumor. She passed away soon after at the age of 70 on April 26, 1973. Born Irene Noblett in El Paso, Texas, on October 17, 1902, her career spanned numerous mediums, resulting in 58 known acting credits across film and television.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
58 titles- Bob Hope's World of Comedy (1976) as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
- The Don Knotts Show (1970) as Self
- Love, American Style (1969)
- Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title (1966) as Granny (uncredited)
- The Dean Martin Show (1965)
- The Hollywood Palace (1964) as Self - Panelist
- Petticoat Junction (1963) as Granny
- The Danny Kaye Show (1963) as Self
- The Merv Griffin Show (1962) as Self
- The Beverly Hillbillies (1962) as Granny
- Mister Ed (1961)
- My Three Sons (1960)
- Bringing Up Buddy (1960)
- Desire in the Dust (1960) as Nora Finney
- The Real McCoys (1957)
- Alcoa Theatre (1957) as Martha Henderson
- Spring Reunion (1957) as Miss Stapleton
- Rockabilly Baby (1957) as Eunice Johnson
- Matinee Theater (1955)
- The Whistler (1954)
- Ricochet Romance (1954) as Miss Clay
- General Electric Theater (1953) as Mrs. Bryant
- Blackbeard, the Pirate (1952) as Alvina, a lady in waiting
- Bonzo Goes to College (1952) as Nancy
- The WAC from Walla Walla (1952) as WAC Sgt. Kearns
- Half Angel (1951) as Kay
- Meet Me After the Show (1951) as Tillie
- The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self
- The Skipper Surprised His Wife (1950) as Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
- Mighty Joe Young (1949) as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
- An Old-Fashioned Girl (1949) as Mrs. Shaw
- There's a Girl in My Heart (1949) as Mrs. Mullin
- My Dear Secretary (1948) as Mary
- Arch of Triumph (1948) as Irate Wife (uncredited)
- Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven (1948) as Opal Cheever
- Heading for Heaven (1947) as Molly
- The Woman on the Beach (1947) as Mrs. Mary Wernecke
- The Diary of a Chambermaid (1946) as Louise
- Little Iodine (1946) as Mrs. Tremble
- That's the Spirit (1945) as Bilson
- The Beautiful Cheat (1945) as Miss Beatrice Kent
- That Night with You (1945) as Prudence
- Hot Rhythm (1944) as Polly Kane (as Irene)
- San Diego I Love You (1944) as Miss Jones
- O, My Darling Clementine (1943) as Irene (Princess Sheba)
- Sarong Girl (1943) as Irene Raynor
- Reveille with Beverly (1943) as Elsie (uncredited)
- Melody Parade (1943) as Gloria Brewster
- The Sultan's Daughter (1943) as Irene
- Hold Your Temper (1943) as Edgar's Wife
- Melody for Three (1941) as Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
- His Pest Girl (1937) as Irene
- Will You Stop? (1937) as Irene / Cleopatra
- The Big Courtship (1937) as Irene Ryan
- The Wacky Family (1936)
- Just Plain Folks (1936)
- Peaceful Relations (1936) as Irene
- One Big Happy Family (1935) as Irene
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Irene Ryan best known for?
Irene Ryan is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Over the Top (1987), The Dean Martin Show (1965), The Hollywood Palace (1964), Petticoat Junction (1963).
When and where was Irene Ryan born?
Irene Ryan was born on October 17, 1902 in El Paso, Texas, USA. They passed away on April 26, 1973.
How many credits does Irene Ryan have?
Irene Ryan has accumulated over 58 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1935 to 1976.
What is Irene Ryan's background in cinema and television?
Irene Ryan was an actress born in El Paso, Texas, on October 17, 1902. Also known as Irene Noblett, she established herself in vaudeville, radio, and film before achieving widespread fame overnight for her television role as Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies in 1962. She also accompanied Bob Hope on his military tours,...
Irene Ryan by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Dean Martin Show (1965) — aged about 62
- The Danny Kaye Show (1963) as Self — aged about 60
- Alcoa Theatre (1957) as Martha Henderson — aged about 54
- The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self — aged about 47
- The Beverly Hillbillies (1962) as Granny — aged about 59
- General Electric Theater (1953) as Mrs. Bryant — aged about 50
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