While in the joyful spirit, take some time to show appreciation to these five classic sitcom actors on their birthdays.
December is one of the happiest months of the year. Not only is it the first month of winter, but it also has a lot of holidays from Christmas to New Year’s Eve. It’s the last month before a new year rolls in television, and some of our favorite classic stars were born during the jolly season.
While in the joyful spirit, take some time to show appreciation to these five classic sitcom actors on their birthdays. Although some passed away, you can still honor their legacies by watching your favorite episode of their show or sharing your favorite moment of the actor in the comments!
1. Max Baer Jr. – The Beverly Hillbillies
December 4, 1937
Max Baer Jr. might’ve grown up in a family full of boxers, but acting was where he found success. His father was boxing champion Max Baer, and his uncle was the great Buddy Baer.
We know him as Jethro, the relative of Jed Clampett, who got a taste of life living in Beverly Hills and did so while staying true to his inner hillbilly.
Baer is said to be the only original cast member of the series left.
Did you know?: In 1991, the actor obtained sublicensing rights to The Beverly Hillbillies from CBS, which included food and beverage rights.
2. Dick Van Dyke – The Dick Van Dyke Show
December 13, 1925
The one and only Dick Van Dyke started his career in 1947 and revealed in a 2021 interview that he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon.
With a career as successful as his, it’s hard to place Van Dyke in a box. To some, he’s Rob Petrie; to others, he’s Albert J. Peterson from the film version of Bye Bye Birdie or Mr. Dawes Senior in Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins.
Did you know?: The producers of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s television series, Wanda Vision, reached out to the legend on how to emulate The Dick Van Dyke Show’s live sitcom feel.
3. Frances Bavier – The Andy Griffith Show
December 14, 1902
Everyone’s favorite television aunt began her career at 25 years old. Becoming an actor wasn’t always in her plan; she originally wanted to be a teacher before moving to Broadway.
Bavier and her best known character role, Aunt Bee, were utterly different. Although she was loved by fans worldwide, the actress needed help separating real life from the fantasy world of acting.
Did you know?: While playing the role of Aunt Bee, Bavier felt that her dramatic talents were overlooked, resulting in a love/hate relationship with the character.
The actress passed away in 1989.
4. Barbara Billingsley – Leave It to Beaver
December 22, 1915
We know Billingsley as June Cleaver, the loving mother to Beaver and Wally and the wife of Ward on the classic series Leave It to Beaver. Yet, before she snagged her best known role, the actress participated in junior college in Los Angeles for a year.
She also worked as a fashion model, earned $60 a week and got a contract with MGM Studios in 1945. Billingsley loved playing June and often revealed that she believed the character set a good example of what a wife could be.
Did you know?: The actress’ first television guest star appearance was on an episode of The Abbott and Castello Show.
She passed away in 2010.
5. Mary Tyler Moore – The Dick Van Dyke Show
December 29, 1936
Mary Tyler Moore spent her entire life being a role model and trendsetter. We know her as the wife of Rob Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show and her self-titled series, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. At just 24 years old, Moore played the wife of Dick Van Dyke, who was 11 years older.
The actress was also an advocate for many social and environmental movements. She was nominated for Best Actress at The Academy Awards for her role in Ordinary People.
Did you know?: Moore’s career began as a tiny elf dancing on Hotpoint appliances in commercials, but that ended when it became difficult to hide her pregnancy in the costume.
She passed away in 2017.
