Irene Ryan
ActingAbout 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 discovered to have an inoperable brain tumor and died soon after at the age of 70.
Irene Ryan Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Irene Ryan reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 41 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Irene Ryan's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 44% of Irene Ryan's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains That Night with You, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Irene Ryan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Irene Ryan's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Irene Ryan has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Bob Hope's World of Comedy | Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1966 | Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title | Granny (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | Desire in the Dust | Nora Finney | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | Rockabilly Baby | Eunice Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Spring Reunion | Miss Stapleton | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Ricochet Romance | Miss Clay | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Blackbeard, the Pirate | Alvina, a lady in waiting | Average | Similar → |
| 1952 | The WAC from Walla Walla | WAC Sgt. Kearns | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Bonzo Goes to College | Nancy | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Meet Me After the Show | Tillie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Half Angel | Nurse Kay | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Skipper Surprised His Wife | Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | There's a Girl in My Heart | Mrs. Mullin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Mighty Joe Young | Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | An Old-Fashioned Girl | Mrs. Shaw | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | My Dear Secretary | Mary | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven | Opal Cheever | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Arch of Triumph | Irate Wife (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Heading for Heaven | Molly | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Woman on the Beach | Mrs. Mary Wernecke | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Little Iodine | Mrs. Tremble | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Diary of a Chambermaid | Louise | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | That Night with You | Prudence | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Beautiful Cheat | Miss Beatrice Kent | Average | Similar → |
| 1945 | That's the Spirit | Bilson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | San Diego I Love You | Sheila Jones | Hit | Similar → |
| 1944 | Hot Rhythm | Polly Kane (as Irene) | Average | Similar → |
| 1943 | O, My Darling Clementine | Irene (Princess Sheba) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The Sultan's Daughter | Irene | Flop | Similar → |
| 1943 | Melody Parade | Gloria Brewster | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Sarong Girl | Irene Raynor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Hold Your Temper | Edgar's Wife | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Reveille with Beverly | Elsie (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Melody for Three | Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | Will You Stop? | Irene / Cleopatra | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | His Pest Girl | Irene | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1937 | The Big Courtship | Irene Ryan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The Wacky Family | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Peaceful Relations | Irene | Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Just Plain Folks | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1935 | One Big Happy Family | Irene | Flop | Similar → |
Irene Ryan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Irene Ryan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Irene Ryan is "That Night with You" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Irene Ryan acted in?
Irene Ryan has been featured in at least 41 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Irene Ryan?
Other notable films include "The WAC from Walla Walla", "Just Plain Folks", and "Hold Your Temper".