In Still the Beaver and The New Leave It to Beaver, Wally is married to high school-sweetheart Mary Ellen and is an attorney engaged in private practice. It didnt stop because of poor ratings, though. Instead, Mathers decided to join the United Air Force Reserve. The Cleaver house that was shown on screen for most of the series is still standing in the Universal backlot. Hugh Beaumont was contentious about the role of Ward Cleaver, but fans would likely agree that he fit it perfectly. Thats on purpose! She also did her best to keep her boys out of trouble. It took producers a significant amount of negotiation in order to show even that much, but eventually the executives on the Production Code Association, who were responsible for policing film and television decided to relent, so long as the scene wasnt too crude. In the later seasons, Wally has a few after school jobs and buys a used car. On the show, Wally was often portrayed as the successful older brother, who not only was smooth with the ladies, but was admired for his athletic prowess. He sometimes clears the dinner table for his mother (i.e., he carries a few dirty dishes to the kitchen), and in one episode is seen drying dishes. In 1983, CBS aired the reunion telemovie Still the Beaver starring Jerry Mathers. Brewster and Deacon would find roles in the series as Miss Canfield, Beaver's second grade teacher, and Fred Rutherford, Ward's co-worker and father of "Lumpy," Eddie Haskell's easily duped henchman/bully. Her hobbies included cake decorating and needlepoint. Matthers returned to television for a reunion, "Still the Beaver" in 1983, and appeared in a few episodes of the famous series, "Lassie." It never was.Jeanne Moreau (b. 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The first episode of the main series revolved around Wally and Beaver buying an alligator, which they needed to put in water. In a play taken straight from Beaver's life, Mathers was shooting an episode where Beaver cares for a neighbor's cat. Some consider Mayfield to be in Wisconsin, because the town of Madison, as well as the Green Bay Packers, were mentioned. | Source: Wikimedia Commons. In order to be able to see the boys sitting in the back seat of the car, the glass was therefore removed, which solved the problem of glare. Miss Simms ( Diane Brewster) is a secretary/receptionist at the Franklin Milk Company. Good thing, too. Following that, she starred in the 1997 "Leave it to Beaver Film. "It's a Small World" was filmed with a single camera, in full screen black-and-white at Republic Studios and the Universal Studios backlot. In real life, the actor wasnt much different. Wally is based on Connelly's son, Jay. Heres 22 of them from The History Garage.com. As the best friend of Wally, Eddie Haskell was tasked with using his smooth-talking to help the Cleaver brothers out. Fearing bad publicity should a well-loved child star be killed in action, he was told he wouldnt be deployed. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most Popular Podcasts. In one episode, were shown footage of a town. When considering the most iconic 1950s cool guy, most people think of Fonzy fromHappy Days before rememberingLeave It To Beaver. In one episode, he infuriates his mother by wearing his hair in a greasy "tango dancer" style and in another episode he irks both his parents when he buys a garish suit in a men's wear store. However, its Everybody has a different definition of a perfect vacation. Beaver - still Jerry Mathers - was a tiny bit smaller than what we saw on the first season, but basically the same kid and character. He is an intelligent, polite teenager, who is trusted by his parents, popular with his peers, and liked by his teachers. Simon closes the seminar, expressing his hope that this is one of many cast reunions to . To that end, Beaumont was able to play a part in writing for several episodes ofLeave It To Beaver, as well as to also direct some of the episodes. In fact, there was someone else who played little Beaver before Dow. She wraps Wally around her little finger, and even has him going to the library to fetch a copy of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm for her. Ward was originally portrayed by Max Showalter in the pilot episode, while Wally was played by Paul Sullivan. Menu. The episode was ranked #42 on TV Guides 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time! Frank Bank (April 12, 1942 - April 13, 2013) was an American actor, particularly known for his role as Clarence "Lumpy" Rutherford on the 1957-1963 situation comedy television series Leave It to Beaver.. Bank was cast in fifty episodes of Leave It to Beaver between January 24, 1958, until the series finale on May 30, 1963. He became a Christmas tree farmer in the '60s but was forced to retire due to a stroke in 1972. Back home, his son, Hunter, drove his mom and grandmother to work one day and lost control of the car. He slips into slang occasionally, which upsets his mother. One of the most curious things about the final seasons of the show is that the Cleavers car very distinctly had no back windshield. Movies. When the production for the show moved from the Republic Studios to Universal, they built a new version of the original house. Producers took advantage of Dow's popularity and scripted episodes delving into Wally's dating life, his after school jobs, his pals, and his car. To hold the Franklin Milk in the Franklin Milk bottles. Ward was originally portrayed by Max Showalter in the pilot episode, while Wally was played by Paul Sullivan. The pilot was misplaced but was found and aired as the third season premiere for the 1980s revival series "The New Leave It to Beaver" on October 4, 1987, 30 years after the original series premiered on CBS. Dow explained,[I]f any line got too much of a laugh, theyd take it out. Paul Sullivan, who played Wally in the pilot and who sits in the audience, discusses his career after the pilot. The pearls would hide the scar from viewers, which made Billingsley more confident about her appearance. The series was so popular that a television movie "Still the Beaver" was made in 1983. Leave It To Beaver had a curious effect on fashion trends of the era. Ward Cleaver: Oh, no, June, don't you dare think of such a thing. The house was constructed when the show moved its filming operations over to Universal, and the studio decided not to knock it down. He even directed a few episodes himself! When the purebred show cat was put in the tree for the scene, however, it was spooked by its surroundings and ran away. After the show, Ken Osmond left the acting business in order to become a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department. Even after the show ended, fans hadn't had enough of the Cleaver family. Beaumont blamed himself and his work on the show for her death, because he wasnt there to drive the car instead of Hunter. Apparently, a bunch of the other people did, too. June Cleaver: Ward, can you see any possible use for Franklin Milk bottle caps? There were tons of brands ranging from board games to comic books that were featured during the show. By the time those pesky Alice Cooper rumors spread, Ken Osmond had been a police officer for over 18 years! This is because the actors portraying as her sons hit their growth spurt, and in order to maintain the height gap between the characters, Barbara began wearing heels. Stevens' acting work mostly stuck to the era surrounding "Leave It to Beaver." He appeared in guest . Luckily for Osmond, he was wearing a bullet proof vest, which ultimately saved his life. The only actor who didnt return was Hugh Beaumont, who had died several years prior. Trending. Wally Was Re-Cast, Too. In one episode, he declines a vacation trip with his family to stay at home near his current flame, then discovers she has left town with her parents for a vacation trip. During an interview with MeTV, Jerry Mathers, revealed the reason directors decided to find a new Wally. Menu. In one episode, however, Ward is out of town and Wally is asked to play the man of the house. Because of that scene, the show was almost banned from the airwaves entirely. Somehow, a myth was begun and perpetuated that Mathers had in fact been killed in Vietnam, which is ironic because the military wouldnt let him serve for that reason. Wally then becomes romantically involved with Mary Ellen Rogers, though the viewer often hears about her rather than sees her. Out was Sullivan and in was Dow. The windshield created glare on film, so the crew removed it to avoid that issue. The last episode was a retrospective one called "Family Scrapbook" and has claimed its place in TV history as the first prime time sitcom episode specifically written as a series finale. He was played by Tony Dow, who went from being an Olympics diving champion to one of the most unforgettable faces on tv. Son of actor Lyle Talbot Stephen was born on February 28 1949 in California. To that end, executives attempted to make a pop star out of Jerry Mathers in addition to being a TV star. Tony Dow almost didnt make it into the acting business, but rather decided to tag along with a friend of his who was a lifeguard at one of the pools he swam in. Menu. When the show first debuted in 1957, its ratings were only so so, which caused executives at CBS to rethink their commitment to the program. Wally and Beaver may have been the center of the show, but the story certainly wouldnt have been the same without having Eddie Haskell in the mix. In his later years, he became a stockbroker, after finding it hard to break allusions that he really was Lumpy. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Many associate June Cleavers classic pearls as the quintessential look for a 1950s housewife, but the truth is, that wasnt necessarily every mothers uniform. After the show, Ken Osmond went on to become a Los Angeles Police Officer. | Source: Wikimedia Commons. WhenLeave It To Beaver first debuted on CBS, strict censorship laws governed what could and couldnt be shown on TV. Have you noticed while watching the show that the Cleavers car is missing the rear windshield? Id work with him all day, then wed go home to our families. When the show first began, Beaver was only in second grade, making him around 7 years old. Itd be weird if a show didnt tie up all of its loose ends. Two of Wally's friends are pictured, and they are greasy-looking punks. Oops? (Getty Images) In May, Dow's wife Lauren Shulkind announced Dow's cancer had returned, just a month after . Some of that stems from the fact that Tony Dow himself was an accomplished athlete, even before he made it onto the show. Then: Tony Dow Dow played Wally Cleaver in every episode of the show except for the pilot, when Paul Sullivan played the Beaver's polite older brother. For the main series, producers cast Tony Dow to take Paul Sullivan's place as Wally. During one 2014 interview, Mathers appeared onFox News to discuss his favorite recollections from the show. Thankfully, his bullet-proof vest saved his life. Unlike most TV shows today, the pilot that was shot for Leave It To Beaver featured several different actors than the ones who would later become famous for the show. The network cancelled the show, butBeavers cancellation was short lived, as it was quickly picked up again by ABC. Because of that scene, the show was almost banned from the airwaves entirely. But he was in high school and I was in grade school, so we had separate teachers. Even though Mary Ellen was Wally's principal romantic interest, Wally dated several other girls during his high school years. In his later years, he became a stockbroker, after finding it hard to break allusions that he really was Lumpy. On a whim, Tony decided to audition alongside his friend, and they filmed a pilot together, which never got off the ground. Leave It to Beaver is a 1997 American comedy film based on the television series of the same name. It was the first series to have a true finale. Did you grow up watching the show? Unfortunately, Sullivan wouldnt be able to reprise Wallys role in other episodes due to an inevitable growth spurt. The movie was developed into a new series titledThe New Leave It To Beaver. Yes, after filming the pilot, Sullivan was growing and, well, grew out of the role. UnlikeBeaver,Happy Days was filmed during the 1970s, even though it took place in the 1950s. One of the shows writers, Joe Connelly, based Wally and Beaver off of his own children, whose antics he would scribble down in a notebook on the regular. The boys were often shown in the bathroom. In the 1980s, Osmond was shot three times while he was on duty during a chase with a criminal. He carves the roast at dinner and monitors Beaver's behavior. Although it is not specified what Wally's exact specialties are, he did agree to be Beaver's attorney to fight for custody of his kids, but the plans changed when Beaver's ex-wife asked him to take the boys because the only vet school that will take her is in Italy. He sometimes humorously regards his parents as clueless squares. A portrait of Jerry Mathers circa 1959. Neither song got very much air time, which was fortunate, because they werent considered to be that good. Apparently it was so bad, that nobody listened to it. He has two children and a wife. In my day, the collecting instinct was strong in every American boy worth his salt. Were very good friends. Wally, on the other hand was in 8th grade, meaning there was a six year gap between the boys. Jerry Mathers (who was cast as Theodore Beaver Cleaver) in 2007. Movies. He didnt become a rockstar like his character wanted. Its clear from his profession as a minister, as well as the fact that he had gotten a Masters degree, he was interested in more serious pursuits. Wally - this was the weirdest and worst aspect of the pilot. Explore, taste, and write about the world. Paul Sullivan, who initially portrayed Wally, was replaced by Tony Dow after going through a growth spurt following the filming of the pilot episode. Actor Paul Sullivan appeared only in the pilot as Wally Cleaver. Theres more to the tale of the toilet onLeave It To Beaver than simply being censored for wanting to show a toilet. Sadly, he passed away in 1982 from a heart attack at just 79 years old. The original pilot never aired with the mainLeave it to Beaverseries. During one 2014 interview, Mathers appeared onFox News to discuss his favorite recollections from the show. Dow portrays an adult Wally Cleaver in both the reunion telemovie, Still the Beaver (1983), and in the sequel series The New Leave It to Beaver (19851989). Mathers recalled that it took nearly 5 days to find the frightened kitty. If you thought Eddie Haskell was a huge brat, dont worry, youre not alone. Given the character he portrayed, its hard to image Lumpy as anything akin to suave. However, he did so well . I was offended. ", Actress Barbara Billingsley attends the opening of "Radio City Christmas Spectaculor" on December 11, 1998 at the Universal Ampitheater in Universal City, California | Photo: Getty Images. It's been over five decades since the show "Leave It to Beaver" aired its last episode in 1963. Jerry Mathers was around 8-years-old at the time he auditioned for the role. Osmond passed away in May 2020. Leave it to Beaver: Jerry Mathers Said Show Had to Move On from Original Wally Cleaver for One Reason. By 1963, no TV show had ever had a proper series finale, butBeaver found itself in a bit of a pickle. Dow explained,[I]f any line got too much of a laugh, theyd take it out. He also included their friends in the friends of both Beaver and Wally. 10. Billingsley followed up her run with a role in the sequel, "The New Leave it to Beaver," which aired in the '80s. Ward was originally portrayed by Max Showalter in the pilot episode, while Wally was played by Paul Sullivan. Barbara Billingsley chose pearls as part of her regular costume because she had a small scar on her neck that she deemed unsightly for the cameras. He often showed off his personal flare by coming up with constant nicknames for the other characters, most of which were improvised by Ken Osmondon the spot. Movies. Wally's age permitted the writers to place him in dating situations with his school friends. Advertisement Jerry Mathers as Beaver Cleaver from the television program "Leave It to Beaver." | Source: Wikimedia Commons 7. Keep . Wally Cleaver (Paul Sullivan) is the older son of Ward and June and the brother of Beaver. Trending. In another episode, however, Beaver mentions being only 30 miles from the beach. "Leave It to Beaver" never made it to Nielsen's list of the top 30 shows of the time since there were a plethora of classic shows running at the time. Unfortunately for Paul, he grew too much in the six month break before the show went to series. There was good reason the boys lives were so relatable to viewers. Not all passports are created equally. However, when she kissed Casey on the lips right off the bat, I felt she was cheating on Beaumont! In a first-season episode, Mary Ellen cultivates Beaver's friendship in order to get to Wally, then maneuvers Wally into going to a dance against his will. He ended up managing several cast members investments. And Im grateful for it and I enjoy it. Its clear from his profession as a minister, as well as the fact that he had gotten a Masters degree, he was interested in more serious pursuits. Child actor Paul Sullivan, however, portrays the character in the series pilot, "It's a Small World", which aired in April 1957. Left without their main star, the production team agreed the show would not be the same without him, so they decided to wrap it up. At other times, he clues the parents in on Beaver's activities, plans and feelings. Toilet scenes were not shown on television back then, but "Leave It to Beaver" became the first although it was just the tank. In June 1963, the series came to a close at milestones in the lives of Wally and Beaver: high school grad Wally preparing for State college and Beaver looking forward to entering Mayfield High. Current "New Leave It to Beaver" cast member Janice Kent, who is also in the audience, discusses becoming a part of the family in the new series. It was the beginning and end of Jerry Mathers music career. In another episode, Eddie "slugs" Wally in the school corridor when he believes Wally is moving in on his girl, and in another episode, Wally is caught by the coach throwing towels around the locker room. Before shows likeLeave it to Beaver, it wasnt couth to show bodily functions on screen, or even imply them. His friends, Clarence "Lumpy" Rutherford and Eddie Haskell, have a knack for getting into trouble and taking Wally along for the ride. The humor of the character rests in Wally's teenage perspective. In the 1980s, Wally and Beaver were brought back to screens in a TV movie that featured them as parents, with June around as a loving grandma to their kids. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most Popular Podcasts. The pilot episode of the series was originally titledWally and the Beaver. And to celebrate our own enjoyment of the show, we're taking a look at the lives and careers of Hugh, Barbara, Tony and Jerry. Under their guidance, Jerry recorded two singles, Dontcha Cry and Wind Up Top. Unlike most TV shows today, the pilot that was shot for Leave It To Beaver featured several different actors than the ones who would later become famous for the show. More than 60 years after Leave It To Beaver first began airing in 1957, it still maintains its place in the pantheon of great television. One episode ofLeave it to Beaverwas actually censored by the Federal Communications Commission when it showed a toilet on screen. 9. His usual routine was to drive with his wife, son, and mother-in-law from Minnesota, but didnt have the time. Answer: Alice When Miss Landers (Sue Randall) decided to get married, the newspaper carried a story about it wherein her name, Alice, was given. Unlike Tony Dow's character, this kid (Paul Sullivan) wasn't as nice as Dow, calling Beaver "stupid" right off the bat and not having the wholesome appealing personality of Dow, although he did treat the Beaver better as the episode went on. But after a few episodes, the character began wearing heels in every episode. Some consider Mayfield to be in Wisconsin, because the town of Madison, as well as the Green Bay Packers, were mentioned. He would later play the role in spin-offs. One of the shows writers, Joe Connelly, based Wally and Beaver off of his own children, whose antics he would scribble down in a notebook on the regular. Featured in Leave It to Beaver: Family Scrapbook (1963) 4 /10 gattonero975 Details Release date October 4, 1957 (United States) Country of origin United States Language English Filming locations Revue Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA Production company Gomalco Productions See more company credits at IMDbPro Technical specs Edit Wally is portrayed in the series by Tony Dow. On a whim, Tony decided to audition alongside his friend, and they filmed a pilot together, which never got off the ground. Beaver became the first program to show a toilet on screen, but were only allowed to show the tank and handle. June Cleaver: All right, but we respected it last summer and they set fire to the attic! When the war broke out in Vietnam, Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver, wanted to enlist in the Marines. The actor who played Larry, Robert "Rusty" Stevens, was born in 1948 and is still alive today. At 69, Jerry Mathers hasnt been acting much lately, but he did surprisingly end up the focus of a tragic rumor during his mid-life years. This was the pilot episode of this television series. Despite the fact that Beavers friend Lumpy was seen as the ultimate nerd throughout the show, when the actor, Frank Bank wrote his autobiography as a result, he claimed that he was rather gifted when it came to his romantic relationships. To that end, executives attempted to make a pop star out of Jerry Mathers in addition to being a TV star. Mathers was dressed in his cub scout uniform, however, it wasnt just a costume choice. Debra Winger Still Saves White Dress from 1st Wedding as It Felt 'Electrifying' Wearing It for Her 2nd Husband, Mick Jagger Seduced His Kids' Nanny & Cheated with Her on His Wife Who Was in the Next Room, Erin Murphy AKA Tabitha from 'Bewitched' Is Now a Mom of 6 Inside Her Life 50 Years after the Show, Barbara Hale Was Close with Raymond Burr's Partner after Star's Death - He Kept Their Relationship a Secret for 35 Years, Michael Weatherly's 'Difficult' Divorce from 1st Wife Made Him a Better Man despite Its Impact on His Son, Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher Designed Farmhouse with 'Future of Their Family' in Mind Inside Their Home, Tyler Perry Was Broke Living in His Car - He Recalls in Tears That He Was Only 'Praying & Believing. Many audience members reminisce about how June Cleaver was always pristine, even while engaging in all sorts of housework. When the show first began, Beaver was only in second grade, making him around 7 years old. The ministry to which he was assigned happened to be extremely poor, so he needed to find another source of income. They were never seen in the series - another smart move. The pilot (originally proposed as Wally and The Beaver) was first televised April 23, 1957, on the syndicated anthology series, Studio 57, without a laugh track nor the series' well known theme song, "The Toy Parade". "), such punishments never occur. Leave it to Beaver was created by writers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher, who found inspiration among their own children for plot lines and dialogue. By the end of the show, however, Beaver was set to begin high school, while Wally was graduating, meaning the gap had reduced to only a four year difference. After the directors decided to give the role to Dow, he would go on to be a permanent fixture on the show until its end. The day the series began running was October 4, 1957, which was the same day that the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the very first satellite into space. However, the actor didn't quite follow through with his early career. By 1963, no TV show had ever had a proper series finale, butBeaver found itself in a bit of a pickle. The character Wally was portrayed by Paul Sullivan in the pilot episode. In another episode, however, Beaver mentions being only 30 miles from the beach. When asked about any on set mishaps in his Fox News interview, Mathers had one very particular story that wasnt well known otherwise. Wally, on the other hand was in 8th grade, meaning there was a six year gap between the boys. Instead, Mathers decided to join the United Air Force Reserve. Barbara Billingsley chose pearls as part of her regular costume because she had a small scar on her neck that she deemed unsightly for the cameras. In one episode, Wally runs for class president but loses the election. It's been over five decades since the hit show "Leave It to Beaver" ended, but fans still remember the adventures of little Theodore who breathed life into the series. Based on the success of the show and the character of Wally, the decision appeared to be the correct one. I quote, "A child's world is his own sacred domain and his privacy must at all times be respected.". Diane Brewster appears as Miss Simms, a secretary, with Richard Deacon as Mr. Baxter, Miss Simms' boss. Unlike most TV shows today, the pilot that was shot forLeave It To Beaver featured several different actors than the ones who would later become famous for the show. Many episodes have a very brief "after school" scene in the kitchen between June and Wally. In another episode, he falls for a tennis playing "older woman" who uses him to make her estranged boyfriend jealous. He left behind wife Kathryn Adam and their three children, Mark, Kristy, and Hunter. One of the most noticeable goofs on the show was the changing age gap between Wally and Beaver. In a play taken straight from Beavers life, Mathers was shooting an episode where Beaver cares for a neighbors cat. There was a very specific reason producers found the young Jerry Mathers endearing when he showed up to audition for Beaver. When the war broke out in Vietnam, Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver, wanted to enlist in the Marines. Eddie was played by the actor Ken Osmond, but due to a little mix up in an interview, many viewers believed Eddie Haskell grew up to become Alice Cooper, the rock musician. The original Wally was, like, 5 7 when we did the pilot, but he grew to about 65, and he was almost as big as Hugh, and thats when they went back and found Tony, Mathers said. Sadly, he passed away in 1982 from a heart attack at just 79 years old. When the show first debuted in 1957, its ratings were only so so, which caused executives at CBS to rethink their commitment to the program. Beaumont didn't remain the show business after "Leave It to Beaver." He became a Christmas tree farmer in the '60s but was forced to retire due to a stroke in 1972. Tony Dow almost didnt make it into the acting business, but rather decided to tag along with a friend of his who was a lifeguard at one of the pools he swam in. CBS first broadcast the show on October 4, 1957, but dropped it after one season. On the show, Wally was often portrayed as the successful older brother, who not only was smooth with the ladies, but was admired for his athletic prowess. Still, that didn't happen. 'The Vampire Diaries' Cast: Where Are the Actors of the Iconic Show Now? She got married three times, and remained with her last husband, Dr. William S. Mortensen, until his death. However, Tony Dow wasnt always a member of the fictional family. Although it was his look of the innocent that got him the part, Matthers would go on to play the role of a troublesome boy quite well. The pearls would hide the scar from viewers, which made Billingsley more confident about her appearance. He would wear his Cub Scouts uniform to the several rounds of audition and tell everyone that he was anxious to get to his den. Wallace "Wally" Cleaver is a fictional character in the iconic American television sitcom Leave It to Beaver. For instance: Ward Cleaver is played by Casey Adams. Tony Dow wasnt an actor and had no prior acting experience when he started onLeave it to Beaver. You're flying in the face of Dr Brady. While most of the shows back in the 1960s ended abruptly, "Leave It to Beaver" bid farewell with a look back to its previous episodes in "Family Scrapbook.". The series pilot episode was originally filmed and casted by Max Showalter, and he played Ward Cleaver. The series premiered on a notable day in history, though it had nothing to do with the show that would become an icon in its own right later on. He's all right. Jerry Mathers wanted to take a break from acting in order to focus on going to high school.