31 Things Producers of “Beverly Hillbillies” Hid From Fans

Confusing Ages

There were constant rumors spreading that Irene Ryan was actually younger than Donna Douglas, but wore extensive makeup as Granny. Ryan was born in 1902 and Douglas was born in 1933. 

Confusing Ages

Ryan was in fact 31 years older than Douglas. Buddy Ebsen later joked after the “Beverly Hillbillies” family members had ended how could anyone even believe such a naive thing.