'Leave it to Beaver' Star Barbara Billingsley Dies at 94

By Christine Fenno Posted Oct 17th 2010 08:04AM

Barbara Billingsley, who played iconic 1950's mom June Cleaver on 'Leave it to Beaver,' died early Saturday morning at the age of 94, reports CNN.

A family spokesperson confirmed that Billingsley -- who was born in Los Angeles in 1915 and began her career as a model in New York City before her big break on 'Leave it Beaver' -- passed away in her Santa Monica, Calif., home after a long illness. A private memorial will reportedly be held.

Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow played Beaver and Wally Cleaver on the beloved series, and both spoke out within hours of her passing.

"Barbara was a patient advisor and teacher," said Mathers in a statement. "She helped me along this challenging journey through life by showing me the importance of manners, and respect for others...She will be missed by all of her family, friends, fans and most especially by me."

"She was as happy as a lark being recognized as America's mom," Dow recalled about his pearl-wearing co-star, when speaking to CNN's Don Lemon. "She had a terrific life, and had a wonderful impact on everybody she knew, and even people she didn't know." He added, "She always had a positive thing to say."

Billingsley, born Barbara Combes, was married three times during her lifetime and is survived by two children (from her first marriage to restaurateur Glenn Billingsley).

An idealized depiction of middle-class white surburbanites in the the mid-20th century, 'Leave it to Beaver' premiered in 1957 (the same day Sputnik was launched into space) and was canceled in 1963 (not long before John F. Kennedy's assassination), reportedly because the growing boys who portrayed the growing Cleaver boys wanted to move on. Thanks to reruns, the series gained innumerable new fans over the years.

Billingsley also popped up unforgettably in the 1980 comedy 'Airplane!' -- as the kind, matronly passenger who conveniently knew how to speak jive.

In this 2000 interview excerpt from the Archive of American Television, Billingsley reflects on the innocent, drug- and sex-free Cleaver family who won so many hearts on 'Leave it to Beaver.'

Tags: barbara billingsley, jerry mathers, leave it to beaver

Comments

(8)

Sunday 17 October

By huali

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Barbara Billingsley, who played iconic 1950's mom June Cleaver on 'Leave it to Beaver,' died early Saturday morning at the age of 94, reports CNN. I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

By mw

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Loved her in Leave it to Beaver. RIP Barbara.

By BZ

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I Always watched and enjoyed the show growing up. And through the magic of television, I find the wonderful episodes of Leave It To Beaver just as enjoyable today at age 57 as I did o so many,many years ago as a young child.

No doubt, Ms. Billingsley and the Leave It To Beaver cast members will be fondly remembered.

Our families sincere condolences to Ms. Billingsley's family members and close friends.

By Apostate

She was indeed hilariously memorable in "Airplane!" May her soul rest in peace.

By buck

one of the dirtiest things ever said on t.v. was,WARD YOU WERE A LITTLE HARD ON THE BEAVER LAST NIGHT.

By N2

BARBARA YOU WERE A MOTHER TO US ALL. TO THIS DAY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU DRESSED AND LOOKED, HOW ACTED AND HOW TO BE A ROLE MODLE MOTHER. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANKS.

By emanon

I had the honor to meet Ms. Billingsley and she was most gracious. She will be remembered with love by many.

By DeadGossip

AW SHE WAS PRETTY! She will be missed

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