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Irene Ryan

Irene Ryan (born Irene Noblitt, Noblett, or Noblette;[a] October 17, 1902 – April 26, 1973) was an American actress and comedian who found success in vaudeville, radio, film, television, and Broadway. She is most widely known for her portrayal of Daisy May "Granny" Moses, mother-in-law of Buddy Ebsen's character Jed Clampett on the long-running TV series The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971). She was nominated for Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1963 and 1964 for the role.

This article is about the Beverly Hillbillies actress. For the aviator geologist and politician, see Irene E. Ryan. For the improv artist, see The Committee (improv group).

Irene Ryan

Irene Noblitt, Noblett, or Noblette[a]

(1902-10-17)October 17, 1902

April 26, 1973(1973-04-26) (aged 70)

  • Actress
  • comedian

1913–1973

(m. 1922; div. 1942)
Harold E. Knox
(m. 1946; div. 1961)

Early years[edit]

Ryan was born Irene Noblitt, Noblett or Noblette[a] on October 17, 1902, in El Paso, Texas. She was the second child and latter daughter born to Catherine J. "Katie" (née McSharry) and James Merritt Noblitt. Her father was an army sergeant[6] from North Carolina and her mother had emigrated from Ireland. Irene was 17 years younger than her sister, Anna.

Stage[edit]

In 1972, Ryan starred as Berthe in the Bob Fosse–directed Broadway musical Pippin,[14] in which she sang the number "No Time at All." A live recording (sound with still photographs) was made.[15]

Club[edit]

In 1965, Ryan signed a two-year contract to perform at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.[16]

Recognition[edit]

In both 1963 and 1964, Ryan was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Series (Lead).[17]


Ryan was nominated for Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical) for her performance in Pippin.[18] She lost to Patricia Elliott (A Little Night Music) in a ceremony held about a month before Ryan's death.

Death[edit]

On March 10, 1973, Ryan suffered an apparent stroke during a performance of Pippin, flew home to California on her doctor's orders, and was hospitalized. She was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma (malignant brain tumor). Ryan died at St. John's Hospital, Santa Monica, California, on April 26, 1973, aged 70. The causes of death were given as glioblastoma and arteriosclerotic heart disease.[19] Her body was interred in a mausoleum at the Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Santa Monica beside her sister, Anna Thompson.[20]

Legacy and charitable causes[edit]

The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship awards scholarships to outstanding actors who participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. The scholarship provides "recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education." These scholarships have been awarded by the Irene Ryan Foundation since 1972.[21]

at IMDb

Irene Ryan

at the Internet Broadway Database

Irene Ryan

who2.com

Irene Ryan profile

kennedy-center.org

National Irene Ryan Award Winners

discography at Discogs

Irene Ryan

at Find a Grave

Irene Ryan