Irene Ryan, the beloved actress, best known for her role as Granny in The Beverly Hillbillies, passed away at the age of 70 on April 26, 1973. Irene was born Emmeline Snively on October 17, 1902 in El Paso, Texas. She was raised by her mother, a theater manager, from whom she inherited her love of the performing arts. After high school, she began her professional career as a vaudevillian, performing with her husband, Harold Ryan. The couple had career success in their own touring show throughout the 1920s and 1930s. It was not until the late 1950s, however, that the duo achieved widespread fame when they were cast in The Beverly Hillbillies as Granny and Jed Clampett. The show enjoyed a successful nine year run, including a two year stint on Broadway in 1966. Irene Ryan was well-known for her comedic talent and spunky attitude. She also appeared in movies such as Battlefield Baseball, Pocketful of Miracles, and Save the Tiger. Irene is survived by her daughter, Betty. She will be remembered and dearly missed by her family, friends, and admirers.