HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Barbara Billingsley, the iconic mother on television’s Leave it to Beaver, has died. She was 94.
Billingsley passed away early Saturday at her home in Santa Monica, Calif., a family spokeswoman told CNN. The actress had long suffered from a rheumatoid disease.
The Los Angeles native began her career as a model in New York City in 1936. Nearly 20 years later, she became a household name when she landed her breakout role on Leave it to Beaver, which aired for six seasons beginning in 1957. The series revolved around June and Ward Cleaver (played by the late Hugh Beaumont), the wise parents to a pair of young boys, Wally (Tony Dow) and Beaver (Jerry Mathers).
"She was as happy as a lark being recognized as America’s mom," Dow told CNN. "She had a terrific life and had a wonderful impact on everybody she knew, and even people she didn’t know."
Mathers also expressed his fondness for Billingsley in a statement to TMZ.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and lifetime mentor Barbara Billingsley," he said. "She will live in the hearts of her fans as a wonderful actress and be remembered by her friends as a gracious lady. Barbara was a patient advisor and teacher. She helped me along this challenging journey through life by showing me the importance of manners, and respect for others. She will be deeply missed by all of her family, friends, fans and most especially by me."
Billingsley later won over a new legion of fans thanks to her jive-talking cameo in the 1980 comedy Airplane.
Married three times, the star is survived by two sons and four grandchildren.
