About Irene Ryan
Irene Ryan was an American actress and comedienne who found success in vaudeville, radio, film, television, and Broadway. She is most widely known for her portrayal of Daisy May "Granny" Moses, mother-in-law of Buddy Ebsen's character Jed Clampett on the long-running TV series The Beverly Hillbillies (1962–1971). She was nominated for Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1963 and 1964 for the role. The scholarship provides "recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education." These scholarships have been awarded by the Irene Ryan Foundation since 1972. Ryan began her performing career at age 11, when she won $3 (equal to $100.09 today) for singing "Pretty Baby" in an amateur contest at the Valencia Theater in San Francisco. In 1972, Ryan starred as Berthe in the Bob Fosse–directed Broadway musical Pippin, in which she sang the number "No Time at All." A live recording (sound with still photographs) was made.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.