logo
Getty images
Getty images

Barbara Billingsley of 'Leave It to Beaver' Fame Was Married Three Times

Junie Sihlangu
Aug 02, 2019
06:40 A.M.

If you were already old enough in the 1950s then you probably know the show “Leave it to Beaver.” One of the main stars got married three times before her death.

Advertisement

Barbara Billingsley acted as the matriarch on "Leave it to Beaver." She passed away at the age of 94 in Santa Monica, California after suffering from rheumatoid disease.

On the show, the actress played the role of June Cleaver. The series ran from 1957 to 1963 and Billingsley then focused her energy on raising her two boys with an appearance here and there.

The Cleaver family on "Leave it to Beaver" in 1960 | Photo: Wikipedia/ABC

The Cleaver family on "Leave it to Beaver" in 1960 | Photo: Wikipedia/ABC

The actress was born on December 22, 1915, with the given name Barbara Lillian Combes. She grew up in Los Angeles and attended Los Angeles Junior College before going to New York to pursue an acting career.

On the famous series, Billingsley had an onscreen husband named Ward Cleaver played by Hugh Beaumont. However, in real-life, she got married three times. Meet all her husbands here:

Advertisement
Barbara Billingsley posing with a cast photo. | Photo: Legacy.com

Barbara Billingsley posing with a cast photo. | Photo: Legacy.com

Glenn Andrew Billingsley

He was a successful restaurateur and her first husband. They married on October 11, 1940, and had two sons: Drew (1942) and Glenn Jr. (1945).

He was the nephew of Stork Club owner Sherman Billingsley. Unfortunately, their marriage didn’t last and they divorced on February 13, 1947.

Barbara Billingsley | Photo: Getty Images

Barbara Billingsley | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

Roy Kellino

The director married Billingsley on November 15, 1953. The pair’s marriage was sadly short-lived as he died suddenly on November 18, 1956.

He passed away prematurely from a heart attack a couple of months before she landed the “Leave It to Beaver” role.

Dr. William Mortensen

The Santa Monica physician and widower wed the actress on June 28, 1959. The doctor was an old friend of Billingsley and Kellino while they were still married.

Unfortunately, she out-lived her last husband who died on July 5, 1981.

Advertisement

Billingsley played the part of Cleaver in both the pilot, "It's a Small World," and in the original television series. She appeared as the same character in the show's television reunion movie, “Still the Beaver” in 1983.

The actress also featured in the sequel series “The New Leave It to Beaver” which aired from 1985 to1989. The actress was survived by her sons, a number of stepchildren, and numerous grandchildren.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Princess Eugenie, 33, Shares Never-Before-Seen Photo of Her Youngest Son Ernest

February 13, 2024

Kim Delaney's 3rd Husband's Identity Is Kept Under Wraps - Facts About Her Marriages and 1 Engagement

November 10, 2023

Priscilla Presley's Only Son Found Happiness in Marriage – He 'Got in Trouble' as a Child Because of Famous Mom

December 21, 2023

Brian Keith’s 3 Spouses Were All Actresses — Facts about His Marriages

December 13, 2023

'Life Goes On' Star Andrea Fay Friedman Passed Away after Months of Being Unable to Speak

December 07, 2023

Paige Tamada Went from Child Star to Human Resource Specialist – More about Her Now

December 08, 2023

This Lady Was a Hollywood Star Known for 'Eight Is Enough' & 'Happy Days' Alongside Ron Howard

November 09, 2023

Patrick Dempsey Left His 54-Year-Old Wife, Soon Tied Knot with His Fan — First Marriage He Initially Kept Secret

January 30, 2024

'My Three Sons' Star Tina Cole Got Personal Letter from Don Grady Following Years Apart: Three Weeks Later He Died

November 04, 2023

5 Forgotten Teen Idols – Inside the Lives of Celebrities Now Far from the Spotlight

February 19, 2024

Ryan O'Neal Laid to Rest Next to the Love of His Life, Farrah Fawcett - Inside the Intimate Ceremony

December 26, 2023

My Fiancé Met a Little Boy on Our Wedding Day and Found Out He Was My Son – Story of the Day

March 01, 2024

Roberta Raffel Married Her 'Best Friend' Marcus Lemonis in 2018

November 24, 2023

Ryan Gosling Never Appears with Partner & Mom of His 2 Kids Anymore — Inside Their Decision

January 17, 2024