Irene Ryan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Irene Ryan
Ryan on The Beverly Hillbillies, 1968
Born	Irene Noblitt, Noblett, or Noblette (1902-10-17)October 17, 1902 El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Died	April 26, 1973(1973-04-26) (aged 70) Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Resting place	Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery, Santa Monica
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actress comedienne
Years active	1913–1973
Spouse(s)	Tim Ryan ​ ​ (m. 1922; div. 1942)​ Harold E. Knox ​ ​ (m. 1946; div. 1961)​

Irene Ryan (born October 17, 1902 – died April 26, 1973) was a famous American actress and comedian. She was successful in many areas of entertainment. These included vaudeville shows, radio, movies, TV, and Broadway plays.

She is best known for playing Daisy May "Granny" Moses. This was the mother-in-law of Jed Clampett, played by Buddy Ebsen. They starred together on the popular TV show The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971). She was even nominated for Emmy Awards in 1963 and 1964 for her role.

Early Life

Irene Ryan was born Irene Noblitt on October 17, 1902. Her birthplace was El Paso, Texas. She was the second child of Catherine J. "Katie" and James Merritt Noblitt. Her father was an army sergeant from North Carolina. Her mother had moved from Ireland. Irene was 17 years younger than her older sister, Anna.

Career Highlights

Irene Ryan started performing when she was just 11 years old. She won $3 for singing "Pretty Baby" in a talent show. This happened at the Valencia Theater in San Francisco.

When she was 20, she married writer and comedian Tim Ryan. They performed together in vaudeville shows. Their act was known as "Tim and Irene." They made 11 short comedy films between 1935 and 1937. In these films, Irene often played a silly young woman who annoyed Tim. His line, "Will you stop?", became very popular.

Irene later toured with famous comedian Bob Hope. She was also on his radio show for two years. In 1943, she appeared in the country music movie O, My Darling Clementine. She continued to act in movies into the 1940s and early 1950s. She often played nervous or fussy women.

In 1955, she appeared in her first TV comedy show, The Danny Thomas Show. She also acted with Walter Brennan in The Real McCoys in 1959. She appeared in other TV shows like Bringing Up Buddy and My Three Sons.

Playing Granny Moses

In 1962, Irene Ryan got her most famous role. She was cast as Daisy "Granny" Moses in The Beverly Hillbillies. Granny was the mother-in-law of Jed Clampett. Interestingly, Irene Ryan was only about five and a half years older than Buddy Ebsen, who played Jed.

The character "Granny" was named after a famous artist. This artist was Anna Mary Robertson "Grandma" Moses. She had started her painting career later in life.

The show's creator, Paul Henning, first thought of casting another actress as Granny. But when Irene Ryan auditioned, she tied her hair in a bun and acted very lively. Everyone loved her performance. They immediately said, "That's Granny!"

In 1966, Irene Ryan played Granny again. This was in the comedy movie Don't Worry, We'll Think of a Title.

Stage Performances

In 1972, Irene Ryan starred in a Broadway musical called Pippin. She played the character Berthe. She sang a song in the show called "No Time at All."

Awards and Recognition

Irene Ryan was nominated for an Emmy Award in both 1963 and 1964. These nominations were for her excellent performance as a lead actress in a comedy series.

For her role in Pippin, she was nominated for a Tony Award in 1973. This award was for Best Supporting or Featured Actress in a Musical. The awards ceremony happened about a month before she passed away.

Later Life and Passing

On March 10, 1973, Irene Ryan became ill during a performance of Pippin. Her doctor told her to fly home to California. She was taken to the hospital. Doctors found a serious brain tumor. Irene Ryan passed away on April 26, 1973, at the age of 70. She was buried in a mausoleum in Santa Monica, California, next to her sister.

Legacy and Charity

Irene Ryan created the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. This scholarship helps talented actors who take part in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. It gives money to students who want to continue their education in acting. These scholarships have been given out since 1972.

Selected Filmography

L-R: Moyna Macgill, Irene Ryan, Florence Bates, and Margaret Hamilton in Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven (1948)

See also

In Spanish: Irene Ryan para niños