Margaret O'Rene Ryan (August 28, 1924 – October 30, 2004)[1] was an American dancer and actress, best known for starring in a series of movie musicals at Universal Pictures with Donald O'Connor and Gloria Jean.

[1] Her singing, acting, and dancing skills were noticed by song-and-dance actor George Murphy, who helped her get a role in 1937's Top of the Town.

However, her entry in the book Vaudeville old & new: an encyclopedia of variety performances in America, Volume 1 notes, "[B]y then she was outgrowing the kiddie parts, yet not old enough for the teenage roles.

The Gloria Jean-Donald O'Connor-Peggy Ryan team were a great hit with audiences and exhibitors,[2] and the three teens made five features together.

Her last public performance, at her 80th birthday party, was a hilarious song-and-dance routine for her former Universal studio colleagues.