The 5 Main Actors Still Alive From The Cast Of Petticoat Junction

by

Petticoat Junction” is a show set within CBS’s beloved rural universe and focuses on the lives of the Bradley family, particularly their matriarch, Kate (Bea Benaderet), who manages The Shady Rest hotel. Alongside her are Uncle Joe Carson (Edgar Buchanan) with his money-making schemes, and her three teenage daughters: Betty Jo (Linda Kaye Henning), the tomboy; Billie Jo (Jeannine Riley, Gunilla Hutton, and Meredith McRae), who is lively and smitten by boys; and Bobbie Jo (Pat Woodell and Lori Saunders), the intelligent one. They navigate everyday teen issues while engaging in amusing and occasionally cheesy antics.

Regrettably, the lighthearted and amusing sitcom “Petticoat Junction” suffered an untimely end when its lead actress, Bea Benaderet, passed away from cancer during Season 6 filming in October 1968. Instead of acknowledging this loss, the show chose to recast the role, with Kate embarking on a travel journey and Benaderet being replaced by June Lockhart as Dr. Janet Craig. Despite lasting for two more seasons, “Petticoat Junction” was ultimately cancelled due to CBS’ “rural purge,” a series of cancellations that occurred due to a questionable decision: the network decided to reduce programming for shows with less desirable audience demographics. Tragically, the show ended without a proper series finale, leaving fans disappointed as it didn’t get the conclusion it deserved.

Over time, more than three decades have elapsed since “Petticoat Junction” made its last station stop. Despite some of its veteran actors having moved on, several of its younger talent remain alive today. Here’s a rundown of surviving cast members from the series “Petticoat Junion.

Lori Saunders

As I stepped into the shoes of Bobbie Jo Bradley, it was towards the end of “Petticoat Junction’s” epic run, taking over from Pat Woodell who had left after Season 2. You see, unlike my predecessor, I have a knack for making people chuckle. Before this role, I was known in the Henningverse as one of Mr. Drysdale’s secretaries on “The Beverly Hillbillies.” It’s been an exciting journey so far!

Despite her fame on CBS, Saunders also thrived in the realm of exploitation and B-movies. The juxtaposition of roles like those in “Maura of the Wilderness” and “Blood Bath” with her Hooterville antics might seem peculiar, but she pulled it off effectively. Following the closure of Shady Rest, she took on roles such as ‘Frasier, the Sensuous Lion’, before transitioning to the wholesome character Betsy in the western historical sitcom “Dusty’s Trail.

After retiring from acting in 1980’s “Captive,” Saunders no longer takes on roles but continues to engage the public through Instagram, albeit infrequently since 2021. Her social media account is filled with discussions and shares about her other love: art and photography. A dedicated mother of two and a long-term spouse, she stays connected with fans by attending conventions, with her latest appearance being in December 2024, often sharing the stage with her fellow surviving Bradley sisters.

Linda Kaye Henning

Betty Jo Bradley was a carefree tomboy who was captivated by the experiences of motherhood and love, and the actress who played her, Linda Kaye Henning, has always been open to diverse roles. Linda Kaye Henning holds a significant place in “Petticoat Junction” lore; her father is the series creator Paul Henning, who supported his daughter by advising her to use the stage name “Linda Kaye” upon entering show business to avoid nepotism accusations. He humorously suggested that she might be mistaken for Danny Kaye’s daughter due to her red hair.

Linda Kaye Henning swiftly established a reputation in the acting world, starting with minor roles before assisting her father in his profession. Initially, she lent her voice to Jethrine Bodine (portrayed by Max Baer Jr.) on “The Beverly Hillbillies,” and later joined the cast as Betty Jo on “Petticoat Junction.” This television series brought a great deal of happiness into her personal life – she married Mike Miner, who played Betty Jo’s husband, Steve Elliott. However, their marriage ended in 1973 and she remarried later. Yet, her early relationship with Miner remains immortalized in the romantic storyline between Steve and Betty Jo on screen.

Following the end of “Petticoat Junction,” Henning transformed into a well-known character actor. From 1972 to 1974, she was a regular on the soap opera “Return to Peyton Place.” Afterward, she appeared as a guest star in various shows, ranging from “Mork & Mindy” to “Mad About You.” Her latest acting role was a recurring one on “Sliders,” where she portrayed Amanda Mallory. Apart from her acting career, Henning dedicated her time to advocating for cancer research at the San Fernando Valley Unit of the American Cancer Society. To this day, she can still be seen making public appearances with Lori Saunders and Gunilla Hutton at conventions.

Jeannine Riley

Jeannine Riley initially made waves as a competitive swimmer, but later became renowned for portraying the flirtatious Billie Jo Bradley on “Petticoat Junction.” Her character, reminiscent of Betty Boop, was her first major role in show business.

Following her departure from “Petticoat Junction”, Riley went on to make appearances as a guest star in numerous sitcoms. However, you might recognize her from another well-known role – she played multiple characters in the long-running sketch comedy show “Hee Haw”. She also teamed up with Lori Saunders in “Dusty’s Trail”, portraying the character Lulu McQueen, but the film career she sought after leaving “Petticoat Junction” didn’t quite take off. Her most significant movie role was in the drive-in favorite “Electra Glide in Blue”, and she also appeared in Jerry Lewis’ “The Big Mouth” and the dramatic Dick Van Dyke production “The Comic”. It’s unfortunate because Riley was keen to explore new opportunities.

She expressed to The Indianapolis Star, via MeTV, that while she appreciates the shows that helped her make a living (by paying the rent), it’s challenging to break free from a repetitive cycle. Despite being typecasted in certain roles, Riley persevered and worked until 1991, now seemingly enjoying her peaceful retirement. In 2020, she wrote a book about embracing life with enthusiasm titled “The Bolder Woman: It’s About Time,” and continues to keep her official website up-to-date as well.

Gunilla Hutton

I stepped into Jeannine Riley’s shoes as Billie Jo, and what a journey it was! From being a bubbly airhead to transforming into a strong, determined woman, my character underwent a significant change. Just like how this transformation shaped Billie Jo, self-assurance guided me through the highs and lows of my Hollywood adventure.

Prior to playing Billie Jo, Hutton made brief appearances in shows such as “Burke’s Law”. After that, she guest-starred in numerous dramas and comedies. Eventually, she joined the cast of Hee Haw, where she stayed for many years until retiring her short shorts in 1992. Post-Hee Haw, Hutton landed roles on “Fantasy Island” as Lady Godiva. In film, she made appearances in the parody movie “Love Can Hurt You” and the adult comedy “Swim Team”.

Though Hutton doesn’t maintain a social media profile, she still makes appearances at conventions alongside Linda Kaye Henning and Lori Saunders.

June Lockhart

In a career that had already made her a television icon, June Lockhart took on the challenging role of replacing Bea Benaderet as the main female character in “Petticoat Junction.” The character she played, Dr. Janet Craig, was unique for her time: a strong feminist role model and an older woman. With her professionalism, Lockhart skillfully navigated the show for two seasons until it came to an end.

Absolutely, when Lockhart became part of the TV show’s cast, she had an impressive acting resume under her belt. Her journey began as a teen actress, with parents who were veterans of vaudeville. She appeared in films such as “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “All this and Heaven, Too,” and took on leading roles in enduring series like “Lassie” and “Lost in Space,” portraying Ruth Martin and Maureen Robinson respectively. Interestingly, Lockhart is one of just four surviving actors from the show “Lost In Space.

After “Petticoat Junction” ended, she switched between voiceover work and guest appearances in various roles. These ranged from the poorly received movie “Butterfly” starring Pia Zadora to soap operas like “Falcon Crest”, cult favorites such as “Trolls” and “C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud”. She also had a long-running role on “General Hospital”, playing Mariah Ramirez, grandmother of Felicia Jones (Kristina Wagner). This extensive work garnered her two Emmy nominations and a Tony Award win in 1948 for her debut performance in “For Love Or Money”. In 2021, she lent her voice to Netflix’s reimagining of “Lost in Space”, having previously appeared as a teacher in the 1998 film remake starring Matt LeBlanc. Now enjoying retirement, this talented actress will celebrate her hundredth birthday on June 25, 2025.

Read More

2025-02-11 22:32