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Irene Ryan
★ Acting

Irene Ryan

1902 – 1973 · El Paso, Texas, USA · Active 1935–1976

Irene Ryan, born in 1902, was an accomplished actress who made a mark in vaudeville and film before her breakout role as Granny. In Mighty Joe Young (1949), she plays a vital role in this classic tale of a giant gorilla, demonstrating her ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic moments. Though she became a household name with her television success, Ryan's earlier work laid the foundation for her enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. Her journey reflects the vibrant tapestry of early Hollywood, where her talent resonated long before fame found her.

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Mighty Joe Young

Mighty Joe Young

1949 ★ 6.3
as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)

A young woman, Jill Young, grew up on her father's ranch in Africa, raising a large gorilla named Joe from an infant. Years later, she brings him to Hollywood to become a star.

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Career Highlights Top 6 by popularity · TMDB

Filmography

58 credits
1970s 2 credits
1976
Bob Hope's World of Comedy as Self - Tribute Montage (archive footage)
Movie
1970
TV
1960s 12 credits
1969
TV ★ 6.1
1966
Movie ★ 3.5
1965
TV ★ 7.3
1964
The Hollywood Palace as Self - Panelist
TV ★ 4.5
1963
TV ★ 5.7
1963
TV ★ 6.3
1962
TV ★ 6.9
1962
TV ★ 6.2
1961
TV ★ 6.7
1960
Desire in the Dust as Nora Finney
Movie ★ 3.2
1960
TV ★ 6.5
1950s 15 credits
1957
Spring Reunion as Miss Stapleton
Movie ★ 5.8
1957
Rockabilly Baby as Eunice Johnson
Movie ★ 5.0
1957
TV ★ 5.6
1957
Alcoa Theatre as Martha Henderson
TV ★ 6.5
1955
TV ★ 5.0
1954
Ricochet Romance as Miss Clay
Movie ★ 7.0
1953
TV ★ 6.4
1952
Movie ★ 5.0
1952
Blackbeard, the Pirate as Alvina, a lady in waiting
Movie ★ 5.9
1952
The WAC from Walla Walla as WAC Sgt. Kearns
Movie
1951
Half Angel as Nurse Kay
Movie ★ 5.6
1951
Movie ★ 4.7
1950
The Skipper Surprised His Wife as Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited)
Movie ★ 4.7
1950
TV ★ 7.0
1940s 22 credits
1949
Mighty Joe Young as Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited)
Movie ★ 6.4
1949
Movie
1949
Movie ★ 5.0
1948
Arch of Triumph as Irate Wife (uncredited)
Movie ★ 5.9
1948
Movie ★ 5.3
1948
Movie ★ 5.9
1947
The Woman on the Beach as Mrs. Mary Wernecke
Movie ★ 6.1
1947
Movie ★ 4.9
1946
Movie ★ 6.1
1946
Little Iodine as Mrs. Tremble
Movie ★ 3.0
1945
Movie ★ 5.0
1945
Movie
1945
The Beautiful Cheat as Miss Beatrice Kent
Movie ★ 5.0
1944
San Diego I Love You as Sheila Jones
Movie ★ 6.2
1944
Hot Rhythm as Polly Kane (as Irene)
Movie ★ 4.7
1943
Melody Parade as Gloria Brewster
Movie
1943
Sarong Girl as Irene Raynor
Movie
1943
Reveille with Beverly as Elsie (uncredited)
Movie ★ 7.0
1943
Movie ★ 3.0
1943
O, My Darling Clementine as Irene (Princess Sheba)
Movie
1943
Hold Your Temper as Edgar's Wife
Movie
1941
Melody for Three as Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited)
Movie ★ 5.0
1930s 7 credits
1937
Movie
1937
The Big Courtship as Irene Ryan
Movie
1937
Will You Stop? as Irene / Cleopatra
Movie
1936
Movie
1935
Movie