- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJessie Irene Noblitt
- Nickname
- Reenie
- Height5′ 2″ (1.57 m)
- 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
- SpousesHarold E. Knox(March 17, 1946 - October 18, 1961) (divorced)Tim Ryan(March 3, 1922 - October 7, 1943) (divorced)
- ParentsJames Merrit NoblittKatherine McSharry
- Her gravestone has the name Granny on it.
- Toured with Bob Hope's USO troupe during World War II.
- Had no surviving relatives; with an estate worth over $1 million, she decided to start the Irene Ryan Foundation for theatre aspirants.
- 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.
- When she didn't have her Granny make-up on, she often went unrecognized on the streets.
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