Barbara Billingsley Net Worth

Barbara Billingsley: From June Cleaver to Hollywood Icon – A Look at Her Life and Net Worth

Barbara Billingsley was a beloved actress whose career spanned decades, enchanting audiences with her grace and talent. Best known for her iconic role as June Cleaver in the classic sitcom “Leave it to Beaver,” Billingsley’s career extended far beyond the walls of the Cleaver household. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of this remarkable woman, exploring her journey from early stage performances to her lasting impact on television and film.

Early Life and Beginnings

Barbara Lillian Combes, later known as Barbara Billingsley, was born on December 22, 1915, in Los Angeles, California. Her parents, Robert and Lillian Combes, provided her with a foundation for the life she was to lead. Billingsley had an older sister, Elizabeth. Her childhood was marked by her parents’ divorce, an experience that may have contributed to her resilience and independent spirit. Billingsley’s early life in Los Angeles provided her with exposure to the entertainment industry, planting the seeds for her future success.

Career Beginnings: From Stage to Screen

Billingsley’s professional journey began on the stage. She honed her acting skills in the revue “Straw Hat.” This experience was crucial to her later career, providing her with confidence and stage presence. After the revue concluded, she transitioned to a new role: fashion modeling in New York City. This change allowed her to broaden her horizons and establish a distinctive public image. In 1945, she signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), leading to a move back to Los Angeles. The next year, she began appearing in various films, though initially in uncredited roles. These early roles were essential in gaining experience and establishing herself in the competitive film industry.

Some of her initial film appearances included “Up Goes Maisie,” “Two Sisters from Boston,” and “Three Wise Fools.” These roles were vital stepping stones in her career. She also appeared in “Undercurrent,” “The Sea of Grass,” and “The Unfinished Dance.” These early film roles helped her establish her presence in Hollywood. Although these were uncredited roles, they provided Billingsley with valuable experience and exposure, preparing her for larger roles later in her career.

Television Breakthrough: “Leave it to Beaver” and Beyond

The 1950s marked a significant turning point for Billingsley as she ventured into television. Her initial television appearances included episodes of “Rebound,” “The Abbott and Costello Show,” and “Crown Theatre with Gloria Swanson.” She subsequently gained roles in the anthology series “Four Star Playhouse,” “Schlitz Playhouse of Stars,” and “Cavalcade of America.” Her versatility allowed her to appear in a diverse range of television shows. In 1955, she secured her first main role in the sitcom “Professional Father,” which, while short-lived, offered her a chance to shine as a leading actress.

From 1956 to 1957, Billingsley had a recurring role in the sitcom “The Brothers.” However, her most iconic role was just around the corner. Barbara Billingsley became a household name for her role as June Cleaver in the beloved sitcom “Leave it to Beaver.” The show portrayed the wholesome life of a suburban family, with Billingsley as the ever-gracious and supportive mother, June Cleaver. The show co-starred Hugh Beaumont as Ward Cleaver and child actors Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow as the Cleaver children. “Leave it to Beaver” was a cultural phenomenon. After debuting on CBS in 1957, it moved to ABC and became a major hit, running for six seasons and airing 234 episodes. June Cleaver’s character, known for her pearls and elegant attire, became a symbol of 1950s motherhood.

Decades after “Leave it to Beaver” concluded, Billingsley reprised her role in the 1983 television film “Still the Beaver.” This was followed by the sequel series “The New Leave it to Beaver,” which ran from 1985 to 1989. She further embraced her role in spin-offs and guest appearances, playing June Cleaver in shows like “Amazing Stories,” “Baby Boom,” and “Hi Honey, I’m Home!”

(Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Film Career: Supporting Roles and a Memorable Comeback

Billingsley’s film career, though not as extensive as her television work, showcased her versatility as an actress. After a period of uncredited roles, she received her first screen billing in the 1948 film noir “The Argyle Secrets.” That same year, she secured a notable role in the Western “The Valiant Hombre.” Her roles in the 1940s, including supporting parts in “I Cheated the Law,” “Air Hostess,” and “Prejudice,” helped establish her presence on the big screen. The early 1950s saw her in films like “Shadow on the Wall,” “Trial Without Jury,” and “Three Guys Named Mike.”

One of her more prominent film roles came in 1957 in Arthur Hiller’s “The Careless Years.” She appeared alongside Dean Stockwell, Natalie Trundy, John Larch, and John Stevenson. After a long break from film, she made a memorable comeback 23 years later in the comedy “Airplane!,” where she parodied her wholesome persona as a jive-talking passenger. Her willingness to embrace humor demonstrated her versatility and sense of fun. She made her final film appearance in the 1997 big-screen adaptation of “Leave it to Beaver,” bringing her career full circle.

Personal Life and Legacy

Barbara Billingsley’s personal life included three marriages. She married restaurateur Glenn Billingsley in 1941, and they had two sons before divorcing in 1947. She later married English filmmaker Roy Kellino in 1953; he passed away in 1956. Her final marriage was to William Mortensen, which lasted from 1959 until his death in 1981. Her personal life, like her career, was filled with both joy and loss.

Barbara Billingsley passed away in October 2010 at the age of 94. She died at her home in Santa Monica, California, due to polymyalgia. Her legacy endures through her iconic role as June Cleaver, which continues to be celebrated. Her ability to embody a character with warmth, grace, and humor cemented her status as a beloved actress. Billingsley’s impact on popular culture is undeniable.

Real Estate Ventures

In the 1960s, Barbara Billingsley made a significant real estate investment, purchasing an oceanfront home in Malibu for $30,000. This home became an important asset, serving both as a personal retreat and a rental property. During the last decade of her life and the decade following her death, the Malibu property was primarily used as a short-term rental, commanding monthly rates between $20,000 and $40,000. In September 2021, Barbara Billingsley’s heirs sold the Malibu home to football legend Joe Montana for $7.4 million.

Barbara Billingsley’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated at $12 million, reflecting her successful career and smart investments. Her legacy goes beyond her financial success, encompassing her role as a cultural icon, a symbol of motherhood, and a versatile actress who brought joy to generations of viewers.