Overview (5)
| Born | in El Paso, Texas, USA |
| Died | in Santa Monica, California, USA (brain cancer (glioblastoma) and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (stroke)) |
| Birth Name | Jessie Irene Noblitt |
| Nickname | Reenie |
| Height | 5' 2" (1.57 m) |
Mini Bio (1)
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.
- IMDb Mini Biography By: Wayne Flippen & MO840
Family (2)
| Spouse |
Harold E. Knox (17 March 1946 -
18 October 1961) (divorced)
Tim Ryan (3 March 1922 - 7 October 1943) (divorced) |
| Parents |
James Merrit Noblitt
Katherine McSharry |
Trivia (18)
When she didn't have her Granny make-up on, she often went unrecognized on the streets.
Interred at Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica, California, USA.
Since 1972, college thespians have competed annually for the prestigious Irene Ryan Scholarships (started by the Irene Ryan Foundation) at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
Her gravestone has the name Granny on it.
(1948-1950) Radio: Co-starred on NBC Radio's The Bob Hope Show.
Had no surviving relatives; with an estate worth over $1 million, she decided to start the Irene Ryan Foundation for theatre aspirants.
After the cancellation of The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), she was offered a starring role in a proposed TV series in which she would have played a character similar to that of Granny. Despite her interest in the idea of doing a new series, she decided to put the project on hold so that she could fulfill her dream of performing on Broadway. Ultimately, the proposed TV series never came into fruition, since her death in 1973 ended any chances of it being produced.
Toured with Bob Hope's USO troupe during World War II.
Irene owned and frequently stayed at a summer cottage on Clark Lake in Jackson County, Michigan.
A native of San Francisco, California, she was born on October 17, the same date of the 1989 San Francisco "World Series" Earthquake.
Often appeared as a celebrity panelist on Allen Ludden's Password (1961) in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
She played the same character (Daisy Moses) on three different series: Mister Ed (1961), The Beverly Hillbillies (1962) and Petticoat Junction (1963). And while not actually appearing on an episode of the series she played the same character in the Green Acres (1965) verse. Characters from GA appeared with her in one crossover episode of BHB; The Beverly Hillbillies: The Thanksgiving Spirit (1968).
Played Buddy Ebsen's mother In-Law on The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), in real-life, Ryan was six years Ebsen's senior.
Best known for her role as Buddy Ebsen's mother-in-law, 'Daisy Moses', on the popular sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies (1962).
In a live interview, Max Baer Jr., who played Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), stated that Irene "smoked like a chimney", which made other cast members fear for her health.
In a live interview, Max Baer Jr., who played Jethro on The Beverly Hillbillies (1962), he stated that she was a drinker and a smoker, which led to the stroke that eventually took over her life.
Irene wrote a cookbook called " Granny's Hillbilly Cookbook. Where she actually has a recipe for possum. She describe the taste similar to pork.
Was the first member of the Beverly hillbillies cast to pass away.
