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Billy Gray

Billy Gray (born 1938) is an American actor, known for his early career in film and television.

On the big screen, his role as Bobby Benson in *The Day the Earth Stood Still* (1951) stands out, portraying the curious and perceptive child who befriends the alien Klaatu. This performance made him instantly recognizable and iconic within the science fiction genre. Another significant role was that of a young George M. Cohan in *The Seven Little Foys* (1955), which demonstrated his versatility.

Gray specialized in portraying characters of intelligent, curious, or sometimes spirited boys, often serving as the moral compass of the story. Although he is more famously known for his role as Bud Anderson in the long-running TV series *Father Knows Best*, his contribution to 1950s cinema is notable, defining the archetype of the "boy next door" in the collective imagination. His filmography is primarily concentrated in that decade.

Filmography