William Thomas Gray, better known as Billy Gray, is an American actor, competitive motorcycle racer and inventor. He is best remembered for his role as ‘Bud’ on the classic television series Father Knows Best (1954-1960).
Born in Los Angeles in 1938, Billy Gray’s parents were both actors who had appeared in the 1949 horror comedy Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff. As a child actor, Gray starred in more than 200 movies with big name stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Doris Day and Bob Hope. He was educated by tutors hired by the film studios and even had class in tents set up on studio lots. One of his most memorable roles was that of young Jim Thorpe in Jim Thorpe – All-American (1951) and he also starred in the 1951 science fiction classic The Day the Earth Stood Still. In 1954 he began playing ‘Tagg Oakley’, younger brother of Annie Oakley, on the pilot episode of Annie Oakley.
The role for which Billy Gray is most remembered is Bud Anderson on Father Knows Best (1954-1960). Gray’s father died while he was still working on Father Knows Best at 16 years old. His commitment to that role prevented him from accepting another big role as Plato in Rebel Without a Cause (1955) which eventually went to Sal Mineo instead.
In 1962 Gray was arrested for marijuana possession and served 45 days in jail which effectively ended his acting career at 24 years old. After this setback, he shifted his focus to competitive motorcycle racing which he pursued from 1970 to 1995 when he became a Class A motorcycle speedway racer and race promoter. Later on, he became an entrepreneur and inventor before eventually becoming a motorcycle collector and businessman.
Billy Gray also had two marriages during his life; firstly to Helena Kallianiotes (1967-1969) then later to Donna Wilkes (1981-1981). As of 2020, Billy is still living in Topanga California where he bought a house back in 1957 while working on Father Knows Best.
Billy Gray’s life story is an inspiring one filled with ups and downs; from childhood fame through to adult success – ultimately making him one of Hollywood’s most memorable figures forever embedded into modern culture through his iconic role as Bud Anderson on Father Knows Best.
Did Billy Gray Ever Marry?
Billy Gray was married to Helena Kallianiotes from 1967 to 1969, and Donna Wilkes from 1981 to 1981. As of July 2020, Gray is living in Topanga, California in the same house he bought in 1957 while working on Father Knows Best.
What Did Billy Gray Invent?
Billy Gray is the co-owner of the company BigRock Engineering, and has invented several products, including a self-massager, high-technology guitar picks, and a candleholder for jack-o-lanterns. A longtime motorcycle aficionado, Gray was a competitive dirt track racer thoughout the 1970’s and early 1990’s.
Why Father Knows Best Cancelled?
Father Knows Best was an American television sitcom that aired on CBS from October 1954 to May 1960. The series starred Robert Young as father Jim Anderson, the voice of reason and wisdom to his family. The show’s premise originated with Young’s own life as the father of two daughters and a son in suburban Chicago.
The series was abruptly canceled in 1960 due to a strike of the Writers Guild of America which lasted from January to June of that year. This prevented new episodes from beng produced, and ultimately led to the show’s cancellation.
What Happened To Kathy From Father Knows Best?
Kathy from Father Knows Best had a tough life after the show was cancelled. She married an auto mechanic at 16 and divorced two years later. Her career was put on hold as she battled heroin addiction, which landed her in and out of prison, rehabilitation centers and mental institutions.
When Was Billy Gray Born?
Billy Gray was born on January 13, 1938 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
What Is Billy Grays Net Worth?
Billy Gray is an American actor who has a net worth of $1.5 million dollars. Billy Gray was born in Los Angeles, California, and began his professional acting career in the early 1940s. He appeared in such films as “The Postman Always Rings Twice”, “Roxie Hart”, “The Bad Seed”, and “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. He is most widely recognized for his work on television, however. He played James Arness’ son, Bud Anderson, on the hit series, “Gunsmoke” from 1955-1965. He also appeared on such programs as “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis”, “The Real McCoys”, and “Father Knows Best”.
Who Was Billy Gray Married To?
Billy Gray was married to Donna Wilkes from 1981 to 1981 and Helena Kallianiotes from 1967 to 1969.
Is Anyone Still Alive From Father Knows Best?
Yes, two of the show’s main cast members are still alive. Robert Young, who played the titular father, died at 91 in 1998 whie his on-screen wife, Jane Wyatt, died at 96 in 2006. Donahue’s fictional siblings are doing well: Billy Gray is 80 and Lauren Chapin 73, and they both live in Los Angeles.
Where Is The Father Knows Best House Located?
The Father Knows Best house is located at 607 South Maple Street.
What Shows Did Billy Gray Play In?
Billy Gray played in the following shows:
-The Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)
-The March of Time (1951)
