Thread by @jakequery

With today’s news of the passing of Ken Osmond (Eddie Haskell), I figured I’d share a fun story about Barbara Billingsley (Why, hello, Mrs. Cleaver!)
A little over 10 years ago, I had a cup of coffee hosting a morning radio show. For some reason- and I had no idea at the time,

nor do I now, how we got it, we had some phone book of celebrity names. I mean- from all corners and areas of fame- everyone from Bea Arthur to Art Garfunkel, it listed contact info. So, flipping through it one day, I see the home number for Barbara Billinsgley. I mean..Beaver’s

Mom!! I LOVED “Leave it to Beaver” growing up, and was like “I HAVE to call her and see if she will come on our show!!” I called a few times to no avail, but finally got an answer. A woman, who appeared to be an assistant of sorts, told me she was not avaialble, as she was

“bathing and getting her hair done”, but welcomed me to call back. I did, and was able to make connection with Mrs. fricking Cleaver. She was a little over 90, totally lucid, and simply sounded like what she was- a slightly more fragile version of a persona I’d always loved. I

can’t reacall if it was a scheduling conflict (unlikely) or a polite decline- I can’t recall the reason, but I’m pretty sure we never had her on the air. But she was delightful to chat with, mentioned a few times she had pleasant experiences in Indianapolis, and thanked me for

calling her. AND. THEN. IT. HAPPENED. As i was concluding my conversation, I was internally debating whether or not to reference her cameo in the movie “Airplane!”.
She was really nice, so I just went for it. In saying good bye, I said “Excuse, Miss Billingsley- but I have to

ask. Do you still speak jive? “
There was no pause. No awkward silence. Barbara Billingsley immediately replied to me:
“Hells Yea, M—-erF—-er!!”
I was like “you are awesome.” And we were done chatting.
She passed a few years later. But I’ll remember that as long as I live.