RSSBarbara Billingsley of “Leave It To Beaver” Fames Passes Away at Age 94
Barbara Billingsley, the actress best known for her role as June Cleaver on ‘Leave It to Beaver’ passed away Saturday at the age of 94. She was America’s mom in the 1950′s and her acting carrer spanned decades and numerous diverse endeavors as seen by her role in ‘Airplane’ when she played the Jive Lady.
The actress won a new legion of fans in a brief, but memorable, scene in the 1980 send-up movie “Airplane.”
“Oh, stewardess. I speak jive,” Billingsley said in her role — much different from her June Cleaver persona — as an elderly passenger comforting an ill man on the flight. She, the sick man and his seat companion engaged in street-slang banter.
Sadly, the 50′s role model mom passed away on Saurday at her home following a long illness of rheumatoid disorder polymyalgia.
The actress passed away at 2 a.m. (5 a.m. ET) Saturday at her home in Santa Monica, California, after a long illness, spokeswoman Judy Twersky said. A private memorial is being planned.
Actor Jerry Mathers, who played Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver, called Billingsley a lifetime mentor.
“Barbara was a patient advisor and teacher. She helped me along this challenging journey through life by showing me the importance of manners, and respect for others,” Mathers said in a statement. “She will be missed by all of her family, friends, fans and most especially by me.”
Video Hat Tip: Left Coast Rebel
We say goodbye to a classy woman, God Bless June Cleaver, rest in Peace.
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10 Responses to “Barbara Billingsley of “Leave It To Beaver” Fames Passes Away at Age 94”
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This statement she made back in 97 would drive the lib’s nuts. What a woman and I am so happy I was able to watch some of the original shows (not reruns).
“She was the ideal mother,” Billingsley said of her character in 1997 in TV Guide. “Some people think she was weakish, but I don’t. She was the love in that family. She set a good example for what a wife could be. I had two boys at home when I did the show. I think the character became kind of like me and vice versa. I’ve never known where one started and where one stopped.”
Another great comment from her. Since I was raised in this atmosphere it means a lot to me to hear somebody say this.
“Good grief,” she told TV Guide, “I think everybody would like a family like that. Wouldn’t it be nice if you came home from school and there was Mom standing there with her little apron and cookies waiting?”
Most of us didn’t live the Cleaver life, but many of us wished we did. While our own families may have been a dysfunctional h@ll, June and Ward Cleaver taught us how to be the kind of parents we wanted our children to have. When our own “role models” were less than optimal, June Cleaver showed us that parents loved their children unconditionally.
We will miss you Mrs. Cleaver!
…Americana at its best!
RIP, Mrs. Cleaver, and may God bless you!
…Americana at its best!
RIP, Mrs. Cleaver, and may God bless you!
Leave it to Beaver, I remember watching that show. Thats back when our country was a little more civilized and people didnt act like they were fresh out of the jungle.
She was a great lady and fine actress. RIP
#3
I agree…the boy’s got into trouble in that show, it was just the ‘innocent trouble’ that since then became the norm- however- then, it WAS the BIG stuff! What a neat show, that and Donna Reed…vacuuming in heals and pearls…I’m lucky if I even get to vacuum!!! R.I.P. Barbara
Re #3: I have read and reread your post several times and I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve put into words here. Many of us did indeed look to June and Ward Cleaver as role models for the parents we would become.
Barbara you and the whole cast of the show were Great Americans we should all admire and strive to emulate the lessons your show gave us. RIP.
#1
“She was the ideal mother,” Billingsley said of her character in 1997 in TV Guide. “Some people think she was weakish, but I don’t.
—
Me neither! She was compassionate, yet still strong and able to speak her mind. If Ward was ever too hard on the Beaver, she would always stand up and say something to him.
RIP Barbara. You will always live on in my ‘good tv memories’ compartment in my mind, my lady.