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"To millions of fans, Granny from The Beverly Hillbillies was the picture of old-fashioned, backwoods toughness—her gray hair always in a tight bun, apron dusted with flour, shotgun close by, and a fiery glare that could stop Jethro in his tracks. She was feisty, loud, and proud of her mountain roots. And she looked every bit the part.
But off-camera? Irene Ryan, the actress who brought Granny to life, was a completely different woman.
Unlike the scrappy, sun-worn matriarch she played, Irene Ryan was polished, graceful, and deeply professional. While Granny wore homespun dresses and clunky boots, Irene arrived on set each day with her hair styled in a perfect Hollywood coiffure, her makeup impeccable, and her wardrobe far from the patchwork frocks of her TV persona.
Crew members often did double takes when they first met her-how could this elegant, well-spoken lady be that wild old granny from the hills?
In fact, Irene was known for her love of fine fashion and quiet sophistication. She understood the power of transformation. As soon as the cameras rolled, she became Granny-voice, posture, and all —but the moment the scene ended, she stepped right back into her poised, showbiz self."
"To millions of fans, Granny from The Beverly Hillbillies was the picture of old-fashioned, backwoods toughness—her gray hair always in a tight bun, apron dusted with flour, shotgun close by, and a fiery glare that could stop Jethro in his tracks. She was feisty, loud, and proud of her mountain roots. And she looked every bit the part.
But off-camera? Irene Ryan, the actress who brought Granny to life, was a completely different woman.
Unlike the scrappy, sun-worn matriarch she played, Irene Ryan was polished, graceful, and deeply professional. While Granny wore homespun dresses and clunky boots, Irene arrived on set each day with her hair styled in a perfect Hollywood coiffure, her makeup impeccable, and her wardrobe far from the patchwork frocks of her TV persona.
Crew members often did double takes when they first met her-how could this elegant, well-spoken lady be that wild old granny from the hills?
In fact, Irene was known for her love of fine fashion and quiet sophistication. She understood the power of transformation. As soon as the cameras rolled, she became Granny-voice, posture, and all —but the moment the scene ended, she stepped right back into her poised, showbiz self."
