Bea Benaderet was an American actress known for her roles in “The Flintstones,” “Petticoat Junction,” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” She had a successful career in both radio and television, with a talent for voice acting that made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Beatrice Benaderet was born on April 4, 1906, in New York City and was raised in San Francisco. She was married twice, first to Jim Bannon, with whom she had two children, Maggie and Jack. Later, she married Gene Twombly in 1958, and they remained together until her death in 1968.
Career Highlights
Benaderet began her career in radio at a young age, making her debut at just 12 years old. She became well-known for voicing various characters on popular shows such as “Fibber McGee and Molly” and “The Jack Benny Show.” Notably, she played Blanche Morton on “The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show” and voiced Betty Rubble in “The Flintstones.” Her talents in voice acting also extended to many animated films and cartoons.
Death and Legacy
Bea Benaderet passed away on October 13, 1968, in Los Angeles due to left lung carcinoma. Her contributions to radio and television, especially in voice work, left a lasting impact on the industry, and she is remembered for her memorable characters and performances that entertained audiences for decades.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| A Bear for Punishment | 1951-10-20 | Ma Bear (voice) (uncredited) |
| The Flintstones | 1960-09-30 | Betty Rubble (voice) |
| Petticoat Junction | 1963-09-24 | Kate Bradley |
| The Beverly Hillbillies | 1962-09-26 | Cousin Pearl Bodine |
| I Love Lucy | 1951-10-15 | Miss Lewis |
| The Jack Benny Program | 1950-10-28 | Gertrude Gearshift |
| Green Acres | 1965-09-15 | Kate Bradley |
| General Electric Theater | 1953-02-01 | Marie |
| Tom Tom Tomcat | 1953-06-26 | Granny (voice) |