Barbara Whiting Smith


Barbara Whiting Smith was an actress in movies and on radio and television, primarily in the 1940s and 1950s. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Early life

Barbara was born in Los Angeles to Richard and Eleanor Whiting. Her father was a composer who wrote classics such as "Hooray for Hollywood," "Too Marvelous for Words," "On the Good Ship Lollipop," "Ain't We Got Fun?," and "Till We Meet Again".

Career

Her movie career began with the 1945 film, Junior Miss, a movie based on her popular radio show by the same name. 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.
On February 8, 1960, Barbara was honored with a star at 6443 Hollywood Boulevard, in the television section of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Select film credits

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.
Other radio roles both starring and guest appearing include:
On May 7, 1959, Whiting married Gail Smith, an advertising professional. It was her first marriage and his second. They had a son, Richard Whiting Smith.
Barbara was a "longtime volunteer" at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, Pontiac, Michigan. 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.