The dog’s career didn’t end in Hooterville either.Linda Kaye Henning interview
Higgins later became famous as the title character in the 1974 movie *Benji*.
But among all the amusing mistakes and charming behind-the-scenes stories surrounding *Petticoat Junction*, one chapter remains far more painful.
Bea Benaderet was the emotional center of the series.
As Kate Bradley, she was the warm, sensible mother holding together not only her family but seemingly the entire Shady Rest Hotel.
What viewers couldn’t see was that Benaderet eventually began fighting a devastating illness while continuing her work.
Doctors had discovered a suspicious spot on one of her lungs during a medical examination years earlier. Although it initially appeared to disappear, the problem later returned.
While *Petticoat Junction* was in its fifth season, Benaderet underwent exploratory surgery in November 1967.
Doctors discovered a tumor that could not be surgically removed.
She had lung cancer.
Benaderet underwent radiation treatment and was forced to miss multiple episodes while recovering.
