Barbara Billingsley, known for her part as warm supportive mother June Cleaver in "Leave it to Beaver," died Saturday at the age of 94. The show had its debut back in 1957. "She was every bit as nurturing, classy, and lovely as 'June Cleaver' and we were so proud to share her with the world," her son Glenn Billingsley said Saturday. The actress was born in Los Angeles, on Dec. 22, 1915. Her parents divorced and she was raised by her mother. She and her first husband Glenn Billingsley divorced when their children were 2 and 4. The actress then married directory Roy Kellino who died of a heart attack three years after their wedding day and just three months before her "Leave it to Beaver" role.
- 10/18/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Barbara Billingsley, one of TV's "ideal" 1950s moms who portrayed the Beaver's mother on "Leave it to Beaver," died in Santa Monica, Calif. on Saturday. She was 94 and had suffered from a rheumatoid disease, according to a family spokesperson.
Beloved by a generation of Baby Boomers, who recall her as the even-keeled June Cleaver, Billingsley was the quintessential '50s mom. Along with such other primetime "moms" as Harriet Nelson and Donna Reed, she projected the era's ideal of suburban womanhood.
"Leave it to Beaver" ran from 1957-63. When the series ended, Billingsley retreated from show business, raising her two boys. She spoofed her good-mother image in "Airplane!" (1980) playing the Jive Lady. She reprised her June Cleaver role in the 1983 TV movie, "Still the Beaver." In 1997, she played Aunt Martha on yet another "Leave it to Beaver" production.
On "Leave It To Beaver," Billingsley starred along with Jerry Mathers, Tony Dow and Hugh Beaumont.
Beloved by a generation of Baby Boomers, who recall her as the even-keeled June Cleaver, Billingsley was the quintessential '50s mom. Along with such other primetime "moms" as Harriet Nelson and Donna Reed, she projected the era's ideal of suburban womanhood.
"Leave it to Beaver" ran from 1957-63. When the series ended, Billingsley retreated from show business, raising her two boys. She spoofed her good-mother image in "Airplane!" (1980) playing the Jive Lady. She reprised her June Cleaver role in the 1983 TV movie, "Still the Beaver." In 1997, she played Aunt Martha on yet another "Leave it to Beaver" production.
On "Leave It To Beaver," Billingsley starred along with Jerry Mathers, Tony Dow and Hugh Beaumont.
- 10/16/2010
- by By Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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