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Barbara Whiting

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Barbara Whiting
Barbara Whiting 1955
Whiting in 1955
Born(1931-05-19)May 19, 1931
DiedJune 9, 2004(2004-06-09) (aged 73)
Other namesBarbara Whiting Smith
Occupations
  • Actress
  • Singer
Years active1945–1957
Spouse
Gail Smith
(m. 1959; died 1991)
Children1
FatherRichard A. Whiting
RelativesMargaret Whiting (sister)

Barbara Whiting Smith (May 19, 1931 – June 9, 2004) was an American actress and singer.

Early life

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Whiting was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of music manager Eleanor Youngblood Whiting and composer Richard A. Whiting.[1][2] Her older sister was singer Margaret Whiting.

Career

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Her movie career began with the 1945 film, Junior Miss, a movie based on her popular radio show by the same name.[1] This was followed by nine other starring roles until she married Gail Smith and retired.

On television, she co-starred with her sister, Margaret in Those Whiting Girls on CBS. The program debuted July 4, 1955, as a summer replacement for I Love Lucy.[3]

Whiting's radio career was what she was most known for during her lifetime. In 1948 she began to star in CBS's Junior Miss. It was one of the most successful radio shows of the time especially with younger audiences.[citation needed]

On February 8, 1960, Barbara was honored with a star at 6443 Hollywood Boulevard, in the television section of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[4]

Personal life and death

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On May 7, 1959, Whiting married Gail Smith, an advertising professional. It was her first marriage and his second.[5] They had a son, Richard Whiting Smith.[1]

Barbara was a "longtime volunteer" at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan.[1] She lived a quiet life, dedicated to her son Richard.

Whiting died of cancer, in Pontiac, Michigan, aged 73, June 9, 2004. She was survived by her sister and a son.[1]

Filmography

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Select film credits

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Select television appearances

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Select radio credits

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Film Actress Barbara Whiting Smith Dies". The Index-Journal. The Index-Journal. June 13, 2004. p. 4. Retrieved August 6, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  2. ^ Heckman, Dan (January 13, 2011). "Margaret Whiting dies at 86; pop singer mentored by Johnny Mercer". Los Angeles Times.
  3. ^ "Premiere Set for New Show". The Daily Herald. The Daily Herald. June 27, 1955. p. 17. Retrieved August 6, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  4. ^ "Barbara Whiting Smith". Hollywood Walk of Fame. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
  5. ^ "Barbara Whiting And Ad Man Marry". The Times. The Times. May 11, 1959. p. 27. Retrieved August 6, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  6. ^ "(movie ad)". Brownwood Bulletin. Brownwood Bulletin. June 13, 1956. p. 2. Retrieved August 6, 2015 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
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