Anyone remember the novelty hit song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus?" Well, that was sung by 13-year-old Molly Bee, who scored a big hit with it. Bee has died of complications following a stroke. She was 69.
Molly Gene Beachboard was born on Aug. 18, 1939, in Oklahoma City and was raised in Tennessee and Arizona before moving to Los Angeles with her family at age 11.
But while Molly Bee had hits and was even in films in the 1950s, she had a tough time in the 60's and 70's. She admitted to drug use, and had a rough personal life as well, being married five times.
Molly Bee had a regular role on Tennessee Ernie Ford's TV variety show. SHe also played Pinky Lee's sidekick on "The Pinky Lee Show," a popular 1950's children's show.
She made her movie debut in 1954 in "Corral Cuties," but also appeared in the movies "Going Steady," "Chartroose Caboose" and "The Young Swingers," and recorded such songs as "Young Romance," "5 Points of a Star" and "Don't Look Back."
She is survived by daughters Lia Genn and Bobbi Carey; a son, Michael Allen; a brother, Robert Beachboard; and four grandchildren.
Watch a clip of her on the Tennessee Ernie Ford show, attached to this post.
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