Remembering Barbara Billingsly

[Robert]

Another TV Mom has passed. Always prim and proper whether vacuuming the living room, making breakfast, or making cookies for the Beaver.

Thanks Barbara, rest well!

Robert

[jack c]

She was the supermom in Beaver, always total class. And in the cable remake in the 1980's. Another inevitible loss to time of someone that was just a part of my childhood. God bless her.

[bbjohn]

Billingsley was the mom we all wish we had. Here's some trivia I heard some time back. There was a reason she always wore high heels on "Leave it to Beaver." It seems she was a rather petite woman, and the producers were trying to make it look like Hugh Beaumont and Tony Dow didn't tower over her. I guess they thought it looked awkward for a small woman to be asserting authority over a big kid like Dow or a tall man like Beaumont.

I know at least two petite women who are moms who don't need any assistance in asserting their authority. All they have to do is look at you with what I call the "Mom" look and you will instantly behave yourself. My experience is that all mothers have this ability to one extent or another.

So long, Barbara Billingsley. We are better for having known you.

Big Bad John

[DangerGirl]

"Chump don't want no help, chump don't get the help."

[wackypackcolonel]

Don't forget her memorable cameo translating jive in the classic movie Airplane!

[water_bug_62208]

I recall watching, Leave It To Beaver, way back when. It was such a cool program filled with lessons learned... something that's missing these days on TV.

Ms Billingsley's portrayal of the "stay at home mother" ranks right up there with Gloria Henry (Dennis The Menace) and June Lockhart (Lassie).

Best wishes, Barbara Billingsley, on your new adventure. And, best wishes to her family and friends.

[Robert]

Ms Billingsley's portrayal of the "stay at home mother" ranks right up there with Gloria Henry (Dennis The Menace) and June Lockhart (Lassie).

.

And Donna Reed and Jane Wyatt . Although Gloria and June are still with us, imagine the welcoming coffee clutch going on now!

Robert

[Boggy Man]

Don't forget her memorable cameo translating jive in the classic movie Airplane!

That is what Danger Girl linked to in her post before yours.

[wackypackcolonel]

Don't forget her memorable cameo translating jive in the classic movie Airplane!

That is what Danger Girl linked to in her post before yours.

Sorry I hadn't had my coffee. I get a mulligan right?

[Nessie]

I guess they thought it looked awkward for a small woman to be asserting authority over a big kid like Dow or a tall man like Beaumont.

Interesting how network executives think. Anyone who has a mother knows that this is not so. When Mom tells you to clean your room, you'll be sorry if you don't do it even if your mom is a midget.

I never thought a thing of the high heels. All 1950's mothers are dressed up. They cook and do housework in outfits that I'd consider more suitable for dining in a nice restaurant. Their hair and makeup is always tastefully perfect.

It's like a uniform.

Rest in peace, Barbara. I loved you on TV.

Nessie