Jerry Mathers, who played Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on the beloved 1950s sitcom “Leave It to Beaver,” recently shared fond memories of his TV parents, Hugh Beaumont and Barbara Billingsley. In an exclusive interview, the 77-year-old actor reminisced about the positive atmosphere on set and the lasting impact of his co-stars. Mathers described Beaumont, who portrayed his on-screen father Ward Cleaver, as a “very nice man” who was also a minister.
“He kept everybody pretty much on the straight and narrow,” Mathers said, noting that the crew consisted of people who “weren’t out drinking every night and coming in drunk.”
The former child star also shared a close bond with his TV mom, Barbara Billingsley, which continued after the series ended. “She did a lot of charity work,” Mathers recalled. “She’d call me up if she wasn’t feeling well and I’d help her with whatever she needed.”
Mathers emphasized that his TV parents, along with the rest of the crew, ensured the set was “a good time” and “a lot of fun” for all the child actors.
“Hugh Beaumont and Barbara Billingsley were wonderful to Tony [Dow] and me,” he said.
Beaumont’s enduring kindness
“They were kind and caring to everyone.”
Having joined the series at the age of 8, Mathers reminisced about the show’s extensive run from 1957 to 1963 and its ongoing syndication.
“Watching the show brings back many happy memories for me,” he said. Mathers also reflected on his friendship with his TV brother Tony Dow, who passed away in 2022 at age 77. “He was not only my brother on TV, but in many ways in life as well.
Tony leaves an empty place in my heart that won’t be filled,” Mathers shared. Recently, Mathers reunited with his surviving co-stars for a fan event, expressing gratitude for the show’s devoted fans and its positive impact on families. “Hard to believe it is almost 70 years since ‘Leave It to Beaver,'” he said.
“I am very grateful to be associated with such a heartfelt show that touches the lives of so many families in such a positive way.”
