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“You know, working isn’t as much fun as I thought it would be. I wonder why older people do it so much?
---BEAVER---
This is an example of the endearing words said by Jerry “The Beaver” Mathers, who remains an American institution.
Born on June 2, 1948 in Sioux CityIowa, Jerry's show business career began at the tender age of two when he was cast on the “Ed Wynn Television Show.” In 1954, he then co-starred with Linda Darnell in “This Is My Love.” He caught the attention of Alfred Hitchcock who signed him for the 1955 film, “The Trouble With Harry,” starring Shirley McLaine in her first film role and John Forsythe. Ben Cooper, director of acquisition and marketing for Blockbuster, chose this movie as one of the most highly rated comedies. The budding young actor next appeared in two Bob Hope movies, “The Seven Little Foys” and “That Certain Feeling.” Two movies with Alan Ladd followed: “The Deep Six” and “Men of the Fighting Lady.”
It was in 1957 however, with the debut of the series “Leave It To Beaver” that Jerry entered the hearts and homes of America. An immediate success, the show soared to the top of the ratings, gained national attention and ran for six seasons, totaling 234 episodes. Currently shown on TV Land and in countries throughout the world, “Leave It To Beaver” has made Jerry an American Icon.
Named as one of the most well known individuals in television history by People Magazine in 1989, Americans and people throughout the world are familiar with Jerry Mathers. He has a very high "Q" rating for name and face recognition.
Jerry is an often requested speaker at national conventions and trade shows speaking about the state of the American family as compared to the mythical Cleavers of the 1950's and the entertainment industry in general, with an emphasis on early television and the impact of media on popular culture.
His television movie, “Still the Beaver”, was one of the top ten movies of the week for 1982 which led to the development of a new series entitled “The New Leave It To Beaver.” Jerry successfully completed filming 108 episodes which were syndicated and aired in all major markets. As well as starring in the series, Jerry also directed multiple episodes.
In the early 90’s Jerry was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. He took preventative action, lost 45 pounds and is currently one of the leading lecturers on living with and dealing with Diabetes. Jerry has partnered with diverse organizations to bring awareness of this epidemic that our country is currently facing among both children and adults. Jerry is currently the national spokesperson for Johnson and Johnson’s OneTouch UltraMini Systemblood glucose monitoring system. He has been invited to share his experience with diabetes on "Larry King Live" numerous times and has spoken to the Congressional Caucus on diabetes at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Jerry also speaks with the media to alert individuals about the importance of early diagnosis, diet and exercise, and the proper treatment of diabetes. Jerry currently volunteers for numerous fund-raising activities and events for Diabetes organizations such as the American Diabetes Association. He is also active in the volunteer community with various other charities including Special Olympics, Interval House, AidsWalkOrangeCounty, Partners in Care Foundation, Los Angeles Retarded Citizens, March of Dimes, and Easter Seals. He is currently the Honorary Chair for the Evergreen project, a three million dollar fund raising campaign for Center for Healthy Aging in Santa Monica.
Current projects:
Film:
“The Von Trapp Family Christmas,” release date December, (2007)
“Will to Power” – (2006) release
“Larry the Cable Guy, Health Inspector – (2006)
“Angels with Angles”-- (2005)
“Better Luck Tomorrow (2002) Sundance Film Festival judges award winner
Television:
“Getting Around - Alternatives for Seniors Who No Longer Drive” – Host, PBS Documentary, (2006)
“3rd Annual TV Land Awards” (2005) John the gardener (“Desperate Classic Housewives” skit),
Awards:
Golden Glow Award – Center for Healthy Aging – March 2006
TV DVD Awards - Classic TV DVD Pop Culture Icon Award, November 2005
8th annual DVD Awards – Television Legend Award – August 2005
Jerry’s television credits also include “Ozzie and Harriet”, “December Bride”, “Red Skelton Show”, “Screen Directors Playhouse”, “Ray Bolger Show”, “Martin and Lewis”, “George Gobel Show”, “Lux Theater,” “NBC Matinee Theater,” “Texaco Theater,” “Bob Hope Show,” “Four Star Review,” “Spike Jones”, “Colgate Comedy Hour,” “Art Linkletter’s House Party”, “Lassie”, “My Three Sons”, “Family Affair”, “Batman”, “The Love Boat”, “Lily Tomlin for President”, “Saturday Night Live”, “Diagnosis Murder”, “The Prodigy”, Academy Awards (presenter), “Vengeance Unlimited”, “Playing Patti”, “Alan Thicke Show”, “Vicki” (Vicki Lawrence Show), “Studs”, “Match Game”, “Hollywood Squares”, “Scattergories”, “Married with Children”, “Family Feud – celebrity edition”, “Howdy Doody Time Reunion”, “TV’s All Time Favorites”, “Dick Clark’s Super Bloopers and Practical Jokes”, “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose”, “Sexual Malice”, “Down the Drain”, “My Talk Show”, “Flying High”, “Fourth Network”, “Hardcastle and McCormick”, “Weakest Link”, “Prodigy”, “Conrad Bloom”, “Illeanarama Supermarket” and “The Girl, the Gold Watch & Dynamite.” He has also had recurring spots on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno.
Additional film credits include “Back to the Beach” with Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon and Pee Wee Herman, “Bigger Than Life”, “This is My Love” with Linda Darnell and Dan Duryea, “The Seven Little Foys” with Bob Hope, “That Certain Feeling” with Bob Hope, Eva Marie Saint, George Sanders, and Pearl Bailey, “The Shadow on the Window,” and “The Deep Six” and “Men of the Fighting Lady” with Alan Ladd.
Jerry continues to do commercial work for national and regional spots for advertisers such as Pet Condensed Milk, Kellogg’s (first non-athlete on a box of corn flakes), General Electric, Purina, Kern, Chevrolet, Toyota, General Mills, AOL, Coca Cola, Jim Bean, and Biogen.
When his schedule permits, Jerry an FCC licensed broadcaster, guest hosts on radio programs from coast to coast and is trained in radio satellite broadcasting.
Jerry loves to participate making appearances at trade and health shows, corporate events, parades and other affairs around the country. He is always happy to meet with his fans and sign a personal autograph.
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