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Billie Bird

Billie Bird’s career stretched from childhood vaudeville to the busy world of American film and television, with comedy providing a steady thread throughout. Born in Pocatello, Idaho, on February 28, 1908, she was discovered at the age of eight while living in an orphanage. She went on to perform in vaudeville, including an act with the King Sisters, before working in theater and cabaret and eventually moving into screen roles. Bird broke into films in 1950 and became a familiar supporting presence. Her brief, uncredited turn as a chambermaid in The Odd Couple consisted of a single “Goodnight” to Felix Ungar, followed by his “Goodbye.” It is a tiny exchange, but also the kind of economical comic moment that suited a performer with roots in live entertainment. Director John Hughes frequently cast Bird during the 1980s and 1990s. She appeared in Sixteen Candles, Home Alone and Dennis the Menace, with Bill Erwin playing her husband in the latter two films. She also took on two different parts in the Police Academy series, playing Mrs. Lois Feldman in Police Academy 4 and Mrs. Stanwyck in Police Academy 6: City Under Siege. Television gave Bird an equally broad range of work. Her guest appearances included The Waltons, Eight Is Enough, Happy Days, Silver Spoons, Ironside, The Facts of Life, Who’s the Boss?, Knots Landing and The Wonder Years. She also held regular roles on It Takes Two, Benson and Dear John. Her final film was Jury Duty in 1995, while her last acting appearance came in a 1997 episode of George and Leo. Bird’s performing life also extended beyond conventional stages and screens. She entertained troops in Vietnam with her variety act, “Flying High With Billie Bird,” and was made an honorary member of the Green Berets for her efforts. It was another chapter in a career built on adaptability: vaudeville performer, comedian, television regular and dependable film character actor.