I just now notice that she gets the first "Staring Barbara Billingsley". I am sure you have talked about this before and I apologize for not finding it.

I'm not sure why that is, but I'll bet it was negotiated. It's certainly not alphabetical, or Hugh would be first.

It's a question of "ladies first."

Wouldn’t it be funny if there was a big pow-wow about which B name got top billing. Maybe Hugh just didn’t care. In The Waltons Richard Thomas negotiated to get top billing as he was 21 and old enough. After all he was the main character. Ralph and Michael had to accept it. These actors all had to have big egos although not all.

With a cast that big there had to be some rancor on the set.

Could this be because she was previously cast in the pilot? Hugh Beaumont was actually the second actor selected for Ward.

That's a good guess. Her agent may have negotiated it before Beaumont came into the picture.

(Welcome aboard, BTW!)

Thanks Stevea! I’m actually back after many years- my previous handle on here was HaskellGirl. Unfortunately I no longer have the email account associated with that, and surprised to see Haskell was available. At any rate, it’s good to be back!

Well welcome back Haskell.

Well welcome back Haskell.

Thank you!

Wouldn’t it be funny if there was a big pow-wow about which B name got top billing. Maybe Hugh just didn’t care. In The Waltons Richard Thomas negotiated to get top billing as he was 21 and old enough. After all he was the main character. Ralph and Michael had to accept it. These actors all had to have big egos although not all.
He was also in the Homecoming and was the lead actor. Think of the kids. They didn't even get in the opening credits until all the grownups left.

Could this be because she was previously cast in the pilot? Hugh Beaumont was actually the second actor selected for Ward.

Who was the first?

Who was the first?

Casey Adams

aka Max Schowalter. So glad Hugh got the job.