Lori Saunders

Lori Saunders (born Linda Marie Hines on October 4, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American film and television actress, probably best known for her role as Bobbie Jo Bradley in the television series Petticoat Junction (1965–1970).

Television

Starring roles

Saunders played brunette middle-sister "Bobbie Jo Bradley" in 147 episodes of the rural situation-comedy Petticoat Junction. She took over the role in 1965 from Pat Woodell, who had left the show to focus on her singing career. Co-star Meredith MacRae, who joined the show in 1966, said in a 1960s interview that she and Lori were very close, "like the Bobbsey twins", since they were both married and had each replaced another actress on the series.

She played "Betty Gordon", one of Mr. Drysdale's secretaries, in the last season of The Beverly Hillbillies.

In 1973-74, Saunders played "Betsy" on the situation-comedy western Dusty's Trail. Created by Sherwood Schwartz and starring Bob Denver, the show was like Gilligan's Island, but set in the wild west. Saunders quipped: "It was the same show, just no coconuts." She said it was interesting to work with Jeannine Riley, who had also starred in Petticoat Junction (as Billie Jo Bradley), but not at the same time as Saunders.