Billy Gray is former American actor best known for his role as Bud Anderson on the 1950s classic sitcom Father Knows Best. Aside from acting, Billy Gray has appeared in films including. The Day the Earth Stood Still, and he has pursued motorcycle racing and the entrepreneurial realm.
Although he stepped away from working in Hollywood, Billy Gray was able to create a career that blended showbiz, sports and entrepreneurship.
Early Life
Billy Gray was born on January 13, 1938, in Los Angeles, California. His father was William, and his mother was Beatrice, who was an actress. Acting was in Billy’s blood, so he entered the entertainment industry at just four years old.
Because he started his film career at such a young age, he was always educated by studio teachers while filming and did not attend a traditional school setting.
Film Career
Gray began his film career at an early age. At age five, he appeared in the film Man of Courage from 1943. By the 1950s, Gray was beginning to land bigger parts, including:
Singing Guns (1950)
In a Lonely Place (1950) with Humphrey Bogart
Jim Thorpe—All-American (1951), portraying the young version of Burt Lancaster’s character
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), which is the most famous of his movie roles and he played Bobby Benson
On Moonlight Bay (1951) and its follow-up By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953)
He acted in films until the 1970s. He acted in productions such as Dusty and Sweets McGee and Werewolves on Wheels. His last film appearance was in 1980, in the short parody Porklips Now.
The Actor’s Continuation in Television
That said, Billy Gray is probably most famously known for his portrayal of Bud Anderson in Father Knows Best (1954-1960). Bud was the middle child of the Anderson family and became one of the most recognizable characters on television. Gray even was nominated for an Emmy award in 1959 for his performance.
With Father Knows Best ending, Gray appeared primarily as a guest-starring actor in series like Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Peter Gunn, Rawhide, or Combat!.
In 1977, he came back to portray Bud Anderson in the two reunion shows: The Father Knows Best Reunion and Father Knows Best: Home for Christmas.
Life After Acting
When acting slowed down, Billy Gray moved on to some new pursuits:
Motorcycle Racing: Gray was an active speedway racer from 1970 to 1995, and he even promoted races.
Entrepreneurship: He created the guitar pick F-1; This was an inventive pursuit after representing in the entertainment industry.
Personal History
In 1967, Billy Gray married actress Helena Kallianiotes; he divorced her in 1969. In 1977, he married actress Donna Wilkes, who was most known for Jaws 2 and Angel, but they divorced in 1981.
Since then, Billy Gray has lived a private life without Hollywood’s visibility.
Billy Gray’s Net Worth
Overall his net worth includes acting earnings, royalties, racing, and other ventures—and is currently approximately \$1.5 million. While Billy Gray’s wealth may not match the many metrics of today’s television stars, it still leaves a significant mark in history.
FAQs about Billy Gray
Q: What is Billy Gray’s net worth?
A: His net worth is still around \$1.5 million.
Q: What role made Billy gray famous?
A: He is most famously known for the role of Bud Anderson in Father Knows Best.
Q: Did Billy gray act in movies?
A: Yes, his most notable role was as Bobby Benson in The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951).
Q: What did Billy gray do after he stopped acting?
A: He became a motorcycle racer and race promoter, designed the F-1 guitar pick, and toward the end restored vintage cars.
Q: Is Billy gray still living?
A: Yes, as of 2025, Billy gray is still has a private life.
