Barbara Whiting Smith (May 19, 1931 – June 9, 2004) was an American actress and singer.
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Early life
Whiting was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of music manager Eleanor Youngblood Whiting and composer Richard A. Whiting. Her older sister was singer Margaret Whiting.
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.
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.
On February 8, 1960, Barbara was honored with a star at 6443 Hollywood Boulevard, in the television section of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Personal life and death
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.
Filmography
Select film credits
Junior Miss (1945) - Fuffy Adams
Centennial Summer (1946) - Susanna Rogers
Home, Sweet Homicide (1946) - Jo-Ella Holbrook
Carnival in Costa Rica (1947) - Maria Molina
City Across the River (1949) - Annie Kane
I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1951) - Ellen Cooper
Beware, My Lovely (1952) - Ruth Williams
Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder (1952) - Suzy Milligan
Dangerous When Wet (1953) - Suzie Higgins
Paris Follies of 1956 (1955) (with sister Margaret Whiting) - Barbara Walton
Select television appearances
The Ed Sullivan Show
Starlight Theatre (1950)
The Bigelow Theatre (1951)
Dragnet (1954)
The Public Defender (1954) - Elly Black / Torry
Those Whiting Girls - Desilu Studios (1955-1957) (TV serial)
Fireside Theatre (1955) - Marian
The Jimmy Durante Show (1955) - Herself - Suzy the Hatcheck Girl
TV Reader's Digest (1956) - Birdie
The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show (1956) - Herself - Singer
Men of Annapolis (1957) - Willie (Wilhelmina)
Select radio credits
Hollywood Star Time
Meet Corliss Archer
The Screen Guild Theater
The Great Gildersleeve
Family Theater
The Bing Crosby Show
Escape
The Railroad Hour
Suspense
Broadway Is My Beat
On Stage
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar