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.