When we think of The Beverly Hillbillies, one character stands out: Granny, portrayed by Irene Ryan. But what’s often shocking to many is just how young Irene was when she took on this iconic role. As one of the main characters throughout the show’s nine-season run, Granny, or Daisy May Moses, became a fixture of American television in the 1960s and 70s. Despite her seemingly ancient persona, Irene Ryan was not the age she appeared to be on screen. This piece uncovers the surprising story behind the character and the actress who brought her to life.

Granny’s Role in The Beverly Hillbillies and Her Impact on the Show’s Success

Although The Beverly Hillbillies may now feel like a show lost to time, especially with the flood of new television programming that followed, it was undeniably a major hit during its original run. Granny, with her shotgun in hand, stubbornly holding onto her rural roots, provided both comedic relief and heart to the series. Played by Irene Ryan, Granny was Jed’s quick-tempered mother-in-law, constantly clashing with the high-society lifestyle of Beverly Hills.

While the show featured other big names like Buddy Ebsen as Jed and Erika Eleniak as Ellie May, Irene Ryan’s performance as Granny was a key factor in its success. Her portrayal of Granny was a brilliant mix of gruffness and vulnerability, making her an unforgettable character. From tossing police officers out of her mansion to preparing raccoon stew, Granny had a tough exterior, but it was Ryan’s subtle emotional depth that made the character truly stand out.

Irene Ryan Before The Beverly Hillbillies: A Long Career in Entertainment

Before she became synonymous with Granny, Irene Ryan had a diverse career in the entertainment industry. Born Irene Noblette in El Paso in 1902, Ryan’s early career was grounded in vaudeville. She met her husband, Tim Ryan, during her time in vaudeville, and together, they transitioned to radio, where they hosted the popular national program Tim and Irene.

Ryan also found steady work in films in the 1940s, with roles in Rockabilly Baby, Diary of a Chambermaid, and Half Angel. Her career continued on television with appearances in shows like The Real McCoys and Bringing Up Buddy. However, it wasn’t until her audition for The Beverly Hillbillies that Ryan found her breakout role.

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Watch this video to uncover what Irene Ryan kept hidden while filming The Beverly Hillbillies!

The Audition Process: How Irene Ryan Became Granny

Irene Ryan’s path to playing Granny wasn’t without challenges. Rumors swirl about how she landed the role, including one where fellow actress Bea Benaderet allegedly vouched for her on set. Ryan herself shared in an interview that the casting director initially thought she was too young for the part. Undeterred, Ryan took matters into her own hands and directly called the show’s creator, Paul Henning, saying:

“Look, Paul, do I have to go home and get my grey wig and shawl to convince you? If you get anybody older to play the role, she won’t be able to stand the pace. I know what those 7-to-7 schedules are like.”

Henning recalled the moment in an interview with Emmy TV Legends, recounting how Ryan’s prior experience and genuine understanding of the “hillbilly” lifestyle made her the perfect fit for the role. Once Ryan performed the screen test, it was clear to all that she was Granny. Bea Benaderet, who was also auditioning for the role, immediately declared, “There’s Granny.”

Despite landing the role, Ryan never felt secure in her position. In a 1965 interview, she admitted she still feared being fired, constantly arriving first on set and staying vigilant. This work ethic, honed over years of hustling for jobs, would shape her throughout her career.

Irene Ryan at 59: A Young Granny

A surprising fact about The Beverly Hillbillies is that Irene Ryan, in the show’s first season in 1962, was just 59 years old. Granny, on the other hand, was supposed to be in her 80s, making Ryan a full two decades younger than the character she portrayed. To make Irene look significantly older, the show’s makeup department used extensive makeup techniques to age her, which included wrinkles, shadows, and a wig.

Though the makeup techniques weren’t as noticeable back in the 1960s and 70s, modern HD technology has made the aging process more apparent. However, even with today’s clearer visuals, Ryan’s performance remains captivating, and the makeup job still holds up.

After The Beverly Hillbillies: Irene Ryan’s Broadway Triumph

When The Beverly Hillbillies ended in 1971, Ryan turned her attention back to the stage. She had always harbored a love for theater, and Broadway called her back. In 1973, she starred in the musical Pippin, playing Berthe, the grandmother. Her performance was a showstopper, and she earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Her rendition of “No Time at All” was a particular highlight, so much so that The New York Times described her as stopping the show cold with her performance. Despite being 70 years old and standing at just 5’2″, Ryan had the energy and vitality of someone much younger. She continued to embody the relentless drive of her character, Granny, even in real life.

Irene Ryan’s Legacy and Final Years

Irene Ryan passed away on April 26, 1973, just a few months after her Broadway success in Pippin. At the time of her death, she had an estimated net worth of $1 million, a testament to her decades of hard work in the entertainment industry. Tragically, she suffered a stroke while performing on stage, and her passing was attributed to glioblastoma and arteriosclerotic heart disease.

Her unwavering dedication to her craft until the very end is a legacy she shares with her most beloved character, Granny, whose no-nonsense attitude and tenacity would surely have respected Irene’s commitment to acting.

Other Actors Who Played Older Characters Than Their Real Age

Irene Ryan isn’t alone in playing a character much older than her actual age. A famous example is Estelle Getty, who portrayed Sophia Petrillo on The Golden Girls. At 62, Getty was younger than her on-screen daughter Dorothy, played by Bea Arthur, who was 63 at the time. Similarly, actors like Len Cariou in Blue Bloods and Paul Giamatti in John Adams have played characters significantly older than themselves, proving that the art of aging on screen is alive and well.

In conclusion, Irene Ryan’s portrayal of Granny in The Beverly Hillbillies remains a benchmark in television history. Her story, from her struggles in early Hollywood to her Broadway accolades, shows the perseverance and dedication that defined her career. The young actress who played the elderly Granny will forever be remembered for her iconic role and her incredible life in entertainment.

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Watch full episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies and enjoy the classic comedy moments!