LEAVE IT TO BEAVER Star Jerry Mathers: ‘It’s a Great Show, I’m Very Proud to be Associated With It’
By Movieguide® Staff
LEAVE IT TO BEAVER star Jerry Mathers recently discussed his role as The Beaver and why fans still love the show after all these years.
“LEAVE IT TO BEAVER is the longest running show in television history. It’s never been off the air since 195,” Mathers explained while attending the Movieguide® Awards ceremony. “It was real. A lot of sitcoms, they just write jokes. A lot of things that happen on LEAVE IT TO BEAVER, they may be expanded or things that happened to four or five kids, but they were all real. So, things that were really happening to kids in the Fifties can still happen to them today, and they do!”
He continued, “Even some of the ones that I’ve seen, I know that I’ve done those things too. Everybody can relate to them. Even though it’s [about] two brothers, even girls look at those things and say, ‘You know what? I’ve done that too!’”
“Everyone does the things that the Beaver does,” Mathers said. “The things that the Beaver does, everybody wishes they had a big brother like Wally to guide them through. It’s a great show, and I’m very proud to be associated with it.”
Like so many around the world, Mathers is mourning the death of co-star Tony Dow. Dow played big brother Wally Cleaver.
“He was always the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere and humble man that it was my honor and privilege to be able to share memories together with for 65 years,” Mathers told Fox News.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Tony Dow died at 77, his son announced Wednesday, July 27. The news comes after many outlets reported his death before the LEAVE IT TO BEAVER actor actually died.
The most recent post on his Facebook page reads:
Dear Family, Friends, & Fans
We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey.
We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many. One fan said it best—“It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony.”
Our heart goes out to Tony’s wife, Lauren, who will miss her soulmate of 42 years…To his son, Christopher, who will dearly miss his father, who was also his best friend…to his daughter-in-law, Melissa, who loved him like her own father…To his Granddaughter, Tyla, who will undoubtedly carry on her Grandfather’s kind soul, To his Brother Dion and Sister-in-Law, Judy, and to all of his extended family and friends. Words cannot express how much we will all feel his absence, but will cherish the memories he left to each and every one of us.
Christopher has stated: Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero. My wife said something powerful and shows the kind of man he was. She said: “Tony was such a kind man. He had such a huge heart and I’ve never heard Tony say a bad or negative thing about anyone.”
We respectfully ask that everyone give the family privacy in their time of mourning.
According to NPR, Dow’s death was confirmed by telephone by Frank Bilotta of the Bilotta Gallery which sells Dow’s sculpture.
Dow had been in hospice care for his battle against cancer.
Most know Dow from his role on LEAVE IT TO BEAVER, but he also appeared on shows like THE MOD SQUAD, GENERAL HOSPITAL, KNIGHT RIDER, and MURDER, SHE WROTE.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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