When it comes to classic television, few names are as recognizable as Irene Ryan. Best known for playing Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies, she left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
But beyond her on-screen success, how much did she actually earn?
What were her primary sources of income?
In this article, PBC breaks down Irene Ryan’s wealth, salary, and financial legacy, including her Broadway earnings, television contracts, and more.
Irene Ryan Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Irene Noblitt, Noblett, or Noblette |
| Popular Name | Irene Ryan |
| Birth Date | October 17, 1902 |
| Age | 70 (at death, April 26, 1973) |
| Birthplace | El Paso, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish descent (maternal) |
| Education | N/A |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Tim Ryan (div. 1942), Harold E. Knox (div. 1961) |
| Children | None |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | One sister, Anna Thompson |
| Parents | Catherine J. “Katie” (née McSharry), James Merritt Noblitt |
| Height | 1.57 m |
| Net Worth | $1 million (at the time of her death) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting (TV, film, radio, Broadway, vaudeville) |
What is the Net Worth Of Irene Ryan in 2025?
As of 2025, Irene Ryan’s net worth remains estimated at $1 million, adjusted for inflation. While that may seem modest compared to today’s highest-paid actors, it was a respectable fortune for an actress of her time. Unlike modern stars who earn millions per episode, salaries in early television were much lower.
In comparison, actors from the same era had varying fortunes. Here are some notable figures associated with Ryan’s career and industry:
- The Beverly Hillbillies
- Tim Ryan
- Bob Hope
- Harold E. Knox
- Buddy Ebsen
- CBS
- Broadway
- Hollywood
- Pippin
- Emmy Awards
While she may not rank among the highest-paid television actors, her financial success was still significant.
Irene Ryan Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn from Acting and Television?
Irene Ryan’s career spanned vaudeville, radio, film, television, and Broadway, but her biggest paycheck came from The Beverly Hillbillies. Playing Daisy “Granny” Moses, she became a household name, earning two Emmy Award nominations (1963, 1964).
While exact salary figures remain unknown, lead actors of her era typically earned between $500 to $1,500 per episode. Over nine seasons (1962–1971), she accumulated a steady income, making The Beverly Hillbillies her most profitable project.
Additionally, Ryan’s Broadway performance in Pippin (1972) contributed to her earnings. She starred in the Bob Fosse-directed musical, earning a Tony Award nomination for her role as Berthe.
What Were Her Primary Sources of Income?
Ryan’s financial success didn’t just come from television. She earned money from:
- Vaudeville: Performing alongside her first husband, Tim Ryan, in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Radio Shows: Regular appearances on The Jack Carson Show and Bob Hope’s radio program.
- Film & Short Comedies: Starring in 11 short comedies between 1935 and 1937 with Tim Ryan.
- Television Sitcoms: Guest roles in The Danny Thomas Show, My Three Sons, and The Real McCoys.
- Broadway: Pippin became one of her last major performances, bringing in additional revenue.
How Did She Manage Her Finances?
Unlike some celebrities who struggled with financial management, Irene Ryan maintained a relatively stable lifestyle. There are no records of extravagant spending or major financial difficulties. She continued working until her final days, which suggests she was financially independent.
Her Las Vegas performances at the Sahara Hotel (1965–1967) indicate she was actively increasing her wealth even in later years.
What Happened to Her Estate After Her Passing?
After suffering a stroke during a performance of Pippin (March 1973), Ryan returned to California, where she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She passed away on April 26, 1973, at St. John’s Hospital, Santa Monica.
Following her death, her wealth contributed to:
- The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, established in 1972, which continues to support aspiring actors.
- Her burial at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery, where she rests beside her sister.
What Is Her Financial Legacy Today?
Although she passed away decades ago, Irene Ryan’s financial legacy lives on through:
- Her role as Granny, which continues to be celebrated in classic TV history.
- The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, ensuring future generations benefit from her success.
- Recognition at major award shows, including a posthumous TV Land Award (2004).
Her work in Hollywood, Broadway, and television remains an inspiration for actors today.
Conclusion
Irene Ryan’s wealth, salary, and financial legacy prove she was more than just Granny from The Beverly Hillbillies—she was a dedicated performer with a lasting impact.
Whether through television, Broadway, or radio, she built a career that still resonates today.
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