Irene Ryan - Actor Profile

Irene Ryan

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
40Total Films
7.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 17, 1902
Birth Place: El Paso, Texas, USA

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 discovered to have an inoperable brain tumor and died soon after at the age of 70.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Irene Ryan reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 40 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Irene Ryan's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 5% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Irene Ryan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Reveille with Beverly, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Irene Ryan Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Irene Ryan's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Irene Ryan.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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 Hit Similar →
1952 Blackbeard, the Pirate Alvina, a lady in waiting Average Similar →
1952 The WAC from Walla Walla WAC Sgt. Kearns Flop Similar →
1952 Bonzo Goes to College Nancy Flop 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 Flop Similar →
1949 Mighty Joe Young Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited) Average Similar →
1949 An Old-Fashioned Girl Mrs. Shaw Flop Similar →
1948 My Dear Secretary Mary Average Similar →
1948 Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven Opal Cheever Flop Similar →
1948 Arch of Triumph Irate Wife (uncredited) Average Similar →
1947 Heading for Heaven Molly Flop 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 Flop Similar →
1945 The Beautiful Cheat Miss Beatrice Kent Flop Similar →
1945 That's the Spirit Bilson Flop Similar →
1944 San Diego I Love You Sheila Jones Average Similar →
1944 Hot Rhythm Polly Kane (as Irene) Flop Similar →
1943 O, My Darling Clementine Irene (Princess Sheba) Flop Similar →
1943 The Sultan's Daughter Irene Flop Similar →
1943 Melody Parade Gloria Brewster Flop Similar →
1943 Sarong Girl Irene Raynor Flop Similar →
1943 Hold Your Temper Edgar's Wife Flop Similar →
1943 Reveille with Beverly Elsie (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1941 Melody for Three Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1937 Will You Stop? Irene / Cleopatra Flop Similar →
1937 His Pest Girl Irene Flop Similar →
1937 The Big Courtship Irene Ryan Flop Similar →
1936 The Wacky Family - Flop Similar →
1936 Peaceful Relations Irene Flop Similar →
1936 Just Plain Folks - Flop 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 "Reveille with Beverly" with a rating of 7.0/10.

How many movies has Irene Ryan acted in?

Irene Ryan has been featured in at least 40 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Irene Ryan?

Other notable films include "Ricochet Romance", "Mighty Joe Young", and "The Diary of a Chambermaid".