I have some DVD's of this show and in the episode "Meanwhile Back At The Cabin," (3rd episode, broadcasted 10-10-62) Granny mentions her age. I don't know if this scene is edited for the TV reruns.

To make it more fun, here is a multiple choice of her answer:

1. 64
2. 68
3. 72
4. 74

Who can guess the correct answer?

I'll throw this in... the week after this episode was originally broadcast, Irene actually would have been 60 years old.

I'm going to guess #2 68.

72. She was born in 1890.

"The first publicity stills of Irene Ryan were not very flattering, since the
makeup department attempted to transform her into the oldest woman alive.
Her makeup was toned down after they realized the extra wrinkles weren't
needed."
-- Stephen Cox, The Beverly Hillbillies (Contemporary Books, 1988)

The answer, according to the episode, is 72 years old.

I would have guessed 68, also.

She was mentioned as being 77 in one episode I remember.

I specifically remember in that ep, when Jane Hathaway comes into the kitchen where Granny is helping Elly May with her bath in a wooden tub, that it's mentioned she is using lye soap. Jane says that lye soap will ruin Elly's beautiful skin. Then Granny says she has been bathing in it for 72 years, which would mean she must be at least 72, probably exactly that. She hold out her arm, and Jane says it looks like base leather. Trivia, trivia.

I specifically remember in that ep, when Jane Hathaway comes into the kitchen where Granny is helping Elly May with her bath in a wooden tub, that it's mentioned she is using lye soap. Jane says that lye soap will ruin Elly's beautiful skin. Then Granny says she has been bathing in it for 72 years, which would mean she must be at least 72, probably exactly that. She hold out her arm, and Jane says it looks like base leather. Trivia, trivia.
and Granny replies "Thank you".:lol:

Anyway; in another early episode she tells Jed that "I've ben watchin' hein' & shein' for nigh on 75 years".

I specifically remember in that ep, when Jane Hathaway comes into the kitchen where Granny is helping Elly May with her bath in a wooden tub, that it's mentioned she is using lye soap. Jane says that lye soap will ruin Elly's beautiful skin. Then Granny says she has been bathing in it for 72 years, which would mean she must be at least 72, probably exactly that. She hold out her arm, and Jane says it looks like base leather. Trivia, trivia.
and Granny replies "Thank you".:lol:

Anyway; in another early episode she tells Jed that "I've ben watchin' hein' & shein' for nigh on 75 years".