Barbara Billingsley
Actress
About This Interview
In her three hour Archive interview, Barbara Billingsley (1915-2010) discusses her early film career at MGM and her eventual television roles in Schlitz Playhouse of Stars, Four Star Playhouse and Matinee Theatre. She also speaks in detail about her series roles on Professional Father and T he Brothers – two roles she played before her defining role as "June Cleaver" on the series, Leave it to Beaver and The New Leave it to Beaver. Karen Herman conducted the interview on July 14, 2000 in Santa Monica, CA.
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Highlights
Barbara Billingsley on well-known aspects of Leave it to Beaver and her character "June Cleaver"
Clip begins at: 00:23, Duration: 10m 41s
Barbara Billingsley on some classic episodes of Leave it to Beaver
Clip begins at: 22:12, Duration: 06m 09s- Barbara Billingsley on "June Cleaver's" high heels and pearls
Clip begins at: 10:59, Duration: 01m 07s 
Barbara Billingsley on her role in Airplane as the jive-speaking woman
Clip begins at: 12:17, Duration: 02m 59s
Barbara Billinglsey on how she would like to be remembered
Clip begins at: 20:21, Duration: 03m 39s
Interview
- Part 1
- On her early years growing up in Los Angeles; on her education and interest in theater
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On being signed to a contract with MGM and her early impressions of television
Clip begins at: 11:59 - On her first television work on Schlitz Playhouse of the Stars and Four Star Theater
Clip begins at: 19:21 - Part 2
- On her early TV roles in Four Star Playhouse, Matinee Theatre, and Climax!
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On her regular role on Professional Fathe r
Clip begins at: 09:53 - On her role on The Brothers and her tryout for a permanent role on Make Room for Daddy
Clip begins at: 17:00 - On being cast for the pilot of Leave it to Beaver, "It's A Small World" which aired as a teleplay on the anthology series Studio 57
Clip begins at: 23:54 - Part 3
- On playing June Cleaver on Leave it to Beaver -- including many production and cast details
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On working with the young actors on Leave it to Beaver
Clip begins at: 18:58 - Part 4
- On working with Richard Deacon, and Leave it to Beaver producers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On Leave it to Beaver storylines, the town of "Mayfield", and some of the shows writers and producers
Clip begins at: 07:22 - On some classic episodes of Leave it to Beaver
Clip begins at: 22:12 - Part 5
- On the first episode of Leave it to Beaver; and having the distinction of being in every episode of the series; the show going off the air; the Blacklist era
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On her role in Airplane as the jive-speaking woman
Clip begins at: 12:11 - On starring in The New Leave it to Beave r
Clip begins at: 15:16 - On guest starring on the Mork & Mindy episode "Cheerleader in Chains"
Clip begins at: 23:50 - On voicing the nanny on Jim Henson's Muppet Babies
Clip begins at: 24:24 - On guest starring on the Amazing Stories episode "The Remote Control Man"
Clip begins at: 27:46 - Part 6
- On some of her guest appearances in films and television series and her thoughts on the Leave it to Beaver feature film
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On her advice to aspiring actors; her family; the legacy of Leave it to Beaver; and how she'd like to be remembered
Clip begins at: 11:30
Shows
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Professions
Couldn't these "experts" realize she was talking about Amanda Blake? James Arnaz, Gunsmoke....?
At the end she referred to hopefully that this interview was to some value to people. I just want to say that I am absolutely living like the example she was setting to all people. I love helping the unfortunate,lift up those who have fallin down. Doing the right things in life and it has 100% made me a better man watching these shows and learning how to deal with the situations that my own kids were experiencing. I would like to say that this was a very well thought out interview with her and that If she were still alive, I would thank her from the bottom of my soul for being the great influence in such an evil world. I'm very sure that when she walked into a room that it lit up and she took command of respect from everyone for this life's experienced lady.
Thank you Mrs Barbara for all the great shows and lessons.
You are not and will not be forgotten.
Can't wait to meet you on the other side where I know you are and shake your hand.
Howard
Cripes ... nobody in the room could tell that she was talking about "Gunsmoke"?
OMG , she talks about Airplane jive! What a sweet lady!!!!!
She looked beautiful in 2000.
Delightful interview.
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