What is Barbara Billingsley's Net Worth?
Barbara Billingsley, a remarkable actress of screen and stage, had a net worth of $12 million at the time of her death in 2010. She gained optimum fame for her iconic role as June Cleaver in the television sitcom "Leave it to Beaver" and its sequel "The New Leave it to Beaver." Beyond her well-known TV role, Billingsley appeared in films such as "Three Guys Named Mike," "Woman in the Dark," "The Careless Years," and "Airplane!" Notably, she also voiced the character Nanny in the beloved animated series "Muppet Babies."
Early Life
Born as Barbara Lillian Combes on December 22, 1915, in Los Angeles, California, she was the daughter of Robert and Lillian. Barbara had an older sister, Elizabeth. Her parents divorced when she was young.
Career Beginnings
Billingsley embarked on her career on stage, performing in the revue "Straw Hat." Following the show's closure, she became a fashion model in New York City. In 1945, MGM signed her, prompting her return to Los Angeles. There, she initially appeared in uncredited roles in films including "Up Goes Maisie," "Two Sisters from Boston," "Three Wise Fools," "Undercurrent," "The Sea of Grass," and "The Unfinished Dance."
Start of Television Career
In the early 1950s, Billingsley transitioned to television. She appeared in series like "Rebound," "The Abbott and Costello Show," "Crown Theatre with Gloria Swanson," and "City Detective." Her television presence grew with roles in "Four Star Playhouse," "Schlitz Playhouse of Stars," and "Cavalcade of America." In 1955, she scored her first main role in the sitcom "Professional Father," although it lasted for only one season. She continued to make appearances in shows like "You Are There," "Matinee Theater," "The Loretta Young Show," and "The Ford Television Theatre." From 1956 to 1957, she had a recurring role in the sitcom "The Brothers."
Leave it to Beaver
Barbara Billingsley became a household name as June Cleaver, the quintessential mother on "Leave it to Beaver." Her character was known for doing household chores while donning earrings and pearls. The show, despite starting with modest ratings on CBS in 1957, moved to ABC and became a huge hit, running for six seasons with 234 episodes. Cast reunions followed, with Billingsley reprising her role in the television film "Still the Beaver" and the sequel series "The New Leave it to Beaver." She also made guest appearances as June Cleaver in "Amazing Stories," "Baby Boom," and "Hi Honey, I'm Home!"
(Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
Further Television Career
Between "Leave it to Beaver" and "The New Leave it to Beaver," Billingsley faced challenges in securing roles, with only a credit in the police drama series "The F.B.I." during the 1970s. She revived her career in the early 80s with roles in "Mork & Mindy," "The Love Boat," and the television film "High School U.S.A." From 1984 to 1991, she voiced Nanny in the animated series "Muppet Babies." The 90s saw her appearing in sitcoms like "Parker Lewis Can't Lose," "Empty Nest," "The Mommies," "Murphy Brown," and "Roseanne." Her final television role was in the 2003 film "Secret Santa."
Film Career
Billingsley’s film career took off with credited roles starting in the 1948 film noir "The Argyle Secrets" and the Western "The Valiant Hombre." She concluded the 40s with supporting roles in "I Cheated the Law," "Air Hostess," and "Prejudice." The 1950s saw her in "Shadow on the Wall," "Trial Without Jury," "Pretty Baby," and "Three Guys Named Mike." Her significant role came in 1957 with "The Careless Years." She reemerged on the big screen in 1980 with her comedic role in "Airplane!" and later appeared briefly in "Back to the Beach" and the 1997 movie adaptation of "Leave it to Beaver."
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Personal Life and Death
Billingsley's personal life saw her marrying three times. She first wed restaurateur Glenn Billingsley in 1941, with whom she had two sons before their divorce in 1947. Her second marriage was to English filmmaker Roy Kellino in 1953, lasting until his death in 1956. Lastly, she married William Mortensen in 1959 and remained with him until his death in 1981. Barbara Billingsley passed away in October 2010 from polymyalgia at her Santa Monica home, aged 94.
Real Estate
In the 1960s, Barbara acquired an oceanfront home in Malibu for $30,000. She would often rent it out when not in use. The property was primarily rented out for $20-40,000 per month in the last years of her life and another decade after her death. In September 2021, her heirs sold the home to football legend Joe Montana for $7.4 million.
