Devotees of the television series Petticoat Junction were thrilled when one of the show’s actors appeared in Los Angeles, causing a stir almost sixty years after the show first aired.
Despite being 80 years old, the performer seemed lively and vigorous while running errands in the city, showing no signs of being affected by the wildfires that were impacting much of the coastal region.
In a corduroy jacket and loose-fitting jeans, she sported a casual attire quite different from the dazzling ensembles that had established her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry during the ’60s and ’70s, a period that included her standout performances in musicals such as Bye Bye Birdie and Brigadoon.
But her signature red hair was still going strong, a throwback to her days as one of the three beautiful daughters helping their mom run the Shady Rest Hotel on Petticoat Junction.
And let’s not forget, she also provided the voice of Jethrine Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies, where actor Max Baer Jr. played his character Jethro’s twin sister, with Jethrine’s voice dubbed in.
Can you guess who this iconic actress is?
Fans of the ’60s sitcom Petticoat Junction were abuzz after one of the show’s stars made a rare appearance in Los Angeles on Thursday—nearly six decades after the show’s debut
At 80 years old, the actress appeared spry and full of energy as she was spotted running errands in the city, seemingly unfazed by the wildfires ravaging much of the coastal area
If you guessed Linda Kaye Henning, you’re right!
Henning began her acting career in the early 1950s, with early roles in Rebel Without a Cause, Bus Stop, and Gidget.
She was cast as a dancer in the 1963 film Bye Bye Birdie and appeared in several musicals, including High Button Shoes, Brigadoon, and The Sound of Music.
She made numerous TV appearances in the ’60s through ’80s, including on The Ed Sullivan Show, Happy Days, Mork & Mindy, and The Facts of Life.
Henning also appeared on game shows like Family Feud and Match Game.
Her most iconic role was Betty Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction, which aired from 1963 to 1970.
Henning was one of only three cast members to stay throughout the entire run, appearing in 219 of the 222 episodes.
Initially billed as Linda Kaye, she used her full name from Season 6 until the show’s end.
Her signature red hair was still going strong, a throwback to her days as one of the three beautiful daughters helping their mom run the Shady Rest Hotel on Petticoat Junction
Dressed in a corduroy jacket and baggy jeans, her casual look was a far cry from the glamorous outfits that made her a star in the ’60s and ’70s, including her roles in musicals like Bye Bye Birdie and Brigadoon
Linda Kaye Henning’s (far left) most iconic role was Betty Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction, which aired from 1963 to 1970; (pictured Petticoat Junction cast: Henning (seated), Edgar Buchanan, Bea Benaderet, Lori Saunders (seated). Back row left to right: Rufus Davis, Jeannine Riley, Smiley Burnette)
Henning was one of only three cast members to stay throughout the entire run, appearing in 219 of the 222 episodes; (Standing are Lori Saunders and Meredith McRae, while seated are Kate Bradley and Linda Henning)
Henning also provided the voice of Jethrine Bodine on The Beverly Hillbillies, where actor Max Baer Jr. played his character Jethro’s twin sister, with Jethrine’s voice dubbed in
Lori Saunders, Linda Henning and Gunilla Hutton at The Hollywood Show held at The Westin Hotel LAX on January 24, 2015
Henning was born in Los Angeles to Paul Henning, a television producer, and his wife, Ruth.
In 1968, she wed Mike Minor, who portrayed Steve Elliott on Petticoat Junction, just one year after their characters’ on-screen marriage.
However, the couple divorced in 1973.
Later, in 1994, Henning married Leon Ashby Adams.
