Actress Irene Ryan, born Irene Noblette, had small parts in many movies, many of which were of the regrettable type, and appeared on such TV shows as "The Andy Williams Show," "Mister Ed," "Petticoat Junction," and "Love, American Style," yet to longtime TV viewers she will always be Granny, on the comedy series "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Her start in show biz was in a Gracie Allen-like comedy duo in vaudeville. She did radio work and toured with comedian Bob Hope as well, but she never really made her mark until 1962, when she landed the role of Granny, matriarch of the newly rich Clampetts family.
Ryan played this wizened, tiny but tough-as-nails role until the show closed in 1971.
Ryan died at 71 of a stroke in 1973 and left around $1 million to found a foundation to provide scholarships to theater students.
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