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Actress Eileen Ryan, famed for playing Mrs. Kennedy in Little House on the Prairie, died on Sunday, October 9, at the age of 94. She was the mother of actors Sean Penn and Chris Penn, and singer Michael Penn.
Eileen’s representative Mara Buxbaum revealed the news in a press release on October 10, but the cause of death was not revealed. Eileen would have celebrated her 95th birthday on October 16.
Sean and Michael are yet to issue official statements. Chris, her second son, passed away on January 24, 2006.
All about Eileen Ryan’s character in Little House on the Prairie
Eileen Ryan portrayed the role of Mrs. Kennedy in the first season of the historical drama series Little House on the Prairie.
Mrs. Kennedy, the mother of Christy and Sandy Kennedy, resided at Walnut Grove. Her husband was Mr. Kennedy, played by Wayne Heffley. Eileen was later replaced in season 2 by Janice Carroll.
In the show, Sean Penn made his debut as an uncredited extra in the 11th episode of season 1. He was 13 years old at the time.
Developed by Blanche Hanalis, Little House on the Prairie premiered on September 11, 1974, and ran for nine seasons, 204 episodes in total, until May 10, 1982.
Eileen Ryan's life explored
Eileen Ryan was born on October 16, 1927. Her mother, Rose Isabel, was a nurse, and her father, Amerigo Giuseppe Annucci, was a dentist. Rose was Irish American, while Amerigo was Italian American.
In 1957, Eileen tied the knot with actor and active union member Leo Penn, who is infamous for being blacklisted from 1940 to 1950. Not only was she renowned in the film and television industry, but she also gained acclaim for her Broadway performances in Sing Till Tomorrow from 1953 to 1954 and Comes a Day in 1958.
Eileen was active in the entertainment industry since 1955 and appeared in several films and TV shows. The 1986 crime drama film At Close Range saw her playing the role of a grandmother to her sons Chris and Sean. Directed by James Foley, the film failed at the box office despite receiving positive reviews.
Ryan was well-known for her performances in films like Winter People, Benny & Joon, Parenthood, Anywhere but Here, Magnolia, Eight Legged Freaks, All the King’s Men, Mother and Child, Collaborator, Rules Don’t Apply, and more.
She also appeared on TV shows like Deadline, The Twilight Zone, The Asphalt Jungle, Outlaws, Tales of Wells Fargo, NYPD Blue, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Ryan’s husband, Leo Penn, passed away on September 5, 1998. Her son Sean continues to be a popular actor in Hollywood, while Michael has gained recognition for his hit singles and albums.
