Irene Ryan
(1902 - 1973)Another Ryan, unrelated to Fran, was Irene, best known for her role as Granny on the very popular TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies" but a veteran of all aspects show business. She was small, fragile; often looked older than her years and had a most recognizable whiny, raspy voice. She was born Irene Noblette in El Paso, Texas on October 17, 1902 and grew up in California. She made her performing debut at the age of 10 as a singer in Sacramento. Although her mother was against a show business career for Irene, a friend, the mother of actor Arthur 'Dagwood' Lake, persuaded her that the child should not waste such talent. She toured with the Ed Redmond Company during World War I and later ended up back in Texas. More touring with traveling troupes and she met her husband, Tim Ryan. They formed a successful vaudeville act, Ted & Irene, and later found a niche in radio with NBC. They were divorced in 1942. Irene toured with Jimmy Durante, Orson Welles and others during World War II and became a regular on Bob Hope's radio show. From there she made her way to films and television. She later married Harold Knox but divorced him in 1960. Her film credits include: "Unfinished Business" (1941) in an uncredited bit part, her film debut; "Melody for Three" (1941) as Mrs. Higby; "Sarong Girl" (1942) as Irene Raynor; "Melody Parade" (1943) as Gloria Brewster; "Little Iodine" (1946) as Mrs. Tremble; "My Dear Secretary" (1948) as Mary; "Mighty Joe Young" (1949) uncredited as Girl at Bar; "Bonzo Goes to College" (1942) as Nancy; "Desire in the Dust" (1960) and "Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title" (1966) in a cameo role, her final theatrical film. She also guest starred on the TV series: "NBC Comedy Hour"; "Make Room for Daddy"; "The Restless Gun"; "Bringing Up Buddy"; "Wagon Train"; "The Andy Williams Show" and "Petticoat Junction." She was a regular on "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1962-71) as Granny Daisy Moses. She died of a stroke on April 26, 1973 while appearing in "Pippin" at Santa Monica, California at age 70.
From Great Character Actors, Page 5.
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