by an Actress in a Series (Lead). Ryan was nominated for Broadway's 1973 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Musical) for her performance in Pippin. She lost to Patricia Elliott (A Little Night Music) in a ceremony held about a month before Ryan's death. Death Ryan was a lifelong heavy smoker, and stated in an interview that she "smoked like a chimney" on set and her castmates had genuine concerns about her health. On March 10, 1973, Ryan suffered an apparent stroke during a performance of Pippin, flew home to California on her doctor's orders, and was hospitalized. She was diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma (malignant brain tumor). Ryan died at St. John's Hospital, Santa Monica, California, on April 26, 1973, aged 70. The causes of death were given as glioblastoma and arteriosclerotic heart disease. Her body was interred in a mausoleum at the Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Santa Monica beside her sister, Anna Thompson. Legacy and charitable causes The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship awards scholarships to outstanding actors who participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. 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. Selected filmography Melody for Three (1941) - Mrs. Veronica Higby (uncredited) Reveille with Beverly (1943) - Elsie (uncredited) Melody Parade (1943) - Gloria Brewster The Sultan's Daughter (1943) - Irene O, My Darling Clementine (1943) - Irene Hot Rhythm (1944) - Polly Kane San Diego, I Love You (1944) - Sheila Jones That's the Spirit (1945) - Bilson The Beautiful Cheat (1945) - Miss Beatrice Kent That Night with You (1945) - Prudence Diary of a Chambermaid (1946) - Louise Little Iodine (1946) - Mrs. Tremble The Woman on the Beach (1947) - Mrs. Wernecke Heading for Heaven (1947) - Molly the Maid Arch of Triumph (1948) - Irate Wife (uncredited) Texas, Brooklyn & Heaven (1948) - Opal Cheever My Dear Secretary (1948) - Mary Mighty Joe Young (1949) - Southern Belle at the Bar (uncredited) The Skipper Surprised His Wife (1950) - Mrs. O'Rourke (uncredited) Half Angel (1951) - Nurse Kay Meet Me After the Show (1951) - Tillie, Delilah's Maid Bonzo Goes to College (1952) - Nancy The WAC from Walla Walla (1952) - WAC Sgt. Kearns Blackbeard the Pirate (1952) - Alvina - Lady in Waiting Ricochet