The Tragic Final Days of 'Petticoat Junction' Star Bea Benaderet (Betty Rubble on 'The Flintstones')

Photo byClassic TV Preservation Society

Veteran actress Bea Benaderet had been around for decades before she finally hit it big as beloved matriarch Kate Bradley on TV's classic country-comedy, Petticoat Junction (CBS, 1963-1970). But at the height of the show's popularity, tragedy struck when Benaderet was diagnosed with cancer in her left lung. This is the story of her sad final days on the show and in her life.

A Closer Look

Bea Benaderet, born April 4, 1906, in New York City, was diagnosed with cancer in her left lung in 1967 mid-way through the fifth year of Petticoat Junction. By that time, the actress appeared in 18 episodes but was not present the rest of the season, save for the end-season segment, "Kate's Homecoming."

Sadly, that episode would be one of Benaderet's final four segments. She had undergone cancer treatment, but the horrific disease made a swift return, exacerbated by emphysema and pneumonia.

The following season, Benaderet (who was also famous for providing the original voice of Betty Rubble in The Flintstones) appeared in the first two Petticoat episodes that year: "Birthplace Of A Future President" and "The Singing Sweethearts."

The Final Moments On-Screen and Off

Bea Benedaret would make a brief appearance on Petticoat Junction in what would be her final episode on screen: "Only A Husband."

Severely ill, Benaderet lent her voice one final time as Kate Bradley in the episode, "The Valley Has A Baby."

Sadly, by the time the episode aired, Benaderate had passed away on October 13, 1968. She was only 62 years old.

Benaderet was married twice. Her son, James Bannon, was an actor, best known for his role on TV's Lou Grant series. He died in 2017.