
Irene Ryan
Known for Acting · 58 credits
- Born
- 1902-10-17
- Died
- 1973-04-26
- Place of birth
- El Paso, Texas, USA
- Also known as
- Irene Noblett · Reenie · Irene Noblitt · Irene Noblette · آیرین رایان
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
TV Shows (17)

The Merv Griffin Show
1962
as Self

Matinee Theater
1955

My Three Sons
1960

The Beverly Hillbillies
1962
as Granny

Love, American Style
1969

Petticoat Junction
1963
as Granny

The Real McCoys
1957

The Bob Hope Show
1950
as Self

Mister Ed
1961

The Danny Kaye Show
1963
as Self

Alcoa Theatre
1957
as Martha Henderson

The Dean Martin Show
1965

The Hollywood Palace
1964
as Self - Panelist

The Whistler
1954
Bringing Up Buddy
1960
The Don Knotts Show
1970
as Self

General Electric Theater
1953
as Mrs. Bryant
Movies (41)

Half Angel
1951
as Kay

Spring Reunion
1957
as Miss Stapleton

Blackbeard, the Pirate
1952
as Alvina, a lady in waiting

Mighty Joe Young
1949
as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
Bob Hope's World of Comedy
1976
as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)

O, My Darling Clementine
1943
as Irene (Princess Sheba)

Arch of Triumph
1948
as Irate Wife (uncredited)

The Skipper Surprised His Wife
1950
as Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)

Heading for Heaven
1947
as Molly

The Diary of a Chambermaid
1946
as Louise

The Woman on the Beach
1947
as Mrs. Mary Wernecke

That's the Spirit
1945
as Bilson

Hot Rhythm
1944
as Polly Kane (as Irene)

My Dear Secretary
1948
as Mary

Bonzo Goes to College
1952
as Nancy

Reveille with Beverly
1943
as Elsie (uncredited)

Sarong Girl
1943
as Irene Raynor

That Night with You
1945
as Prudence

Little Iodine
1946
as Mrs. Tremble
One Big Happy Family
1935
as Irene

Meet Me After the Show
1951
as Tillie
His Pest Girl
1937
as Irene

The Beautiful Cheat
1945
as Miss Beatrice Kent

An Old-Fashioned Girl
1949
as Mrs. Shaw

The WAC from Walla Walla
1952
as WAC Sgt. Kearns

Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title
1966
as Granny (uncredited)

San Diego I Love You
1944
as Miss Jones

Rockabilly Baby
1957
as Eunice Johnson

Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven
1948
as Opal Cheever

There's a Girl in My Heart
1949
as Mrs. Mullin

The Sultan's Daughter
1943
as Irene

Ricochet Romance
1954
as Miss Clay

Melody for Three
1941
as Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)

Melody Parade
1943
as Gloria Brewster

Desire in the Dust
1960
as Nora Finney
The Wacky Family
1936
Hold Your Temper
1943
as Edgar's Wife

Will You Stop?
1937
as Irene / Cleopatra
Peaceful Relations
1936
as Irene
Just Plain Folks
1936
The Big Courtship
1937
as Irene Ryan
About 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 discover… With 58 credits spanning from 1935 to 1976, Irene Ryan has appeared in 41 films and 17 TV shows.
Fans searching for Irene Ryan movies, Irene Ryan filmography, or the latest projects starring Irene Ryan can stream many of these titles on Bowood.TV, free and in HD, with no subscription required.
Most Popular Irene Ryan Movies
- Half Angel (1951) — as Kay
- Spring Reunion (1957) — as Miss Stapleton
- Blackbeard, the Pirate (1952) — as Alvina, a lady in waiting
- Mighty Joe Young (1949) — as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
- Bob Hope's World of Comedy (1976) — as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
Where to Watch Irene Ryan Films
Most Irene Ryan movies and series are available to stream on Bowood.TV in full HD, completely free and without signup. Browse the complete filmography above to jump directly to any title. For more films and the latest web series featuring Irene Ryan, check our movies catalogue and browse page.