“You know, working isn’t as much fun as I thought it would be.
I wonder why older people do it so much”
—BEAVER CLEAVER—
This is an example of the endearing words said by Jerry “The Beaver” Mathers, who has become an American icon.
Born on June 2, 1948 in Sioux City Iowa, Jerry’s television and show business career began at the tender age of two when he did a Pet Condensed Milk commercial with Ed Wynn on the “Colgate Comedy Hour.” He continued to work on many of the early ‘50’s live television shows and in 1954, he made his movie debut co-starring with Linda Darnell in “This Is My Love.” He then caught the attention of Alfred Hitchcock who signed him for the 1955 film, “The Trouble with Harry,” starring John Forsythe and Shirley MacLaine in what was her very first film role. 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 gained national attention and ran for six seasons, totaling 234 episodes. When it celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 4, 2007, the show became the longest running scripted show in television history. This year in 2017, the show is celebrating its 60th anniversary! Currently shown on Me-TV and in countries throughout the world, “Leave it to Beaver” has made Jerry an American Icon.
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 domestic and foreign markets. As well as starring in the series, Jerry also directed multiple episodes.
Mathers has a high “Q” rating for name and face recognition and is known by people throughout the world. He was also named by People Magazine as one of the most well known individuals in television history.
Jerry recently became one of the first actors to star in a professional British Panto performed in the United States (an 800 year old English tradition). He played Baron Hardup in the theatrical debut of Cinderella, a Panto, produced by the Lythgoe family.
In 2007, Jerry made his Broadway debut with a starring role as Wilbur Turnblad in the Tony winning best musical, “Hairspray” at the Neil Simon Theater. Jerry in his first week boosted the attendance from 75% to 90% and for the rest of his run he played to standing room only houses with attendance at 110%.
In the mid 90’s Jerry was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. He took preventative action, lost 55 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 horrendous epidemic that our country is currently facing among both children and adults. He was 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 educate individuals about the importance of early diagnosis, diet and exercise, and the proper treatment for diabetes.
In 2009 and 2010, Jerry was the national spokesperson for PhRMA and their Partnership for Prescription Assistance program. This organization helps uninsured and financially struggling patients obtain prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The program is a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research and manufacturing companies to raise awareness for patient assistance programs and the need to effectively address the rising and alarming rates of chronic disease. He also hosted a DVD on diabetic neuropathy which is being distributed to patients at hospitals and free clinics across the United States.
Jerry has been a spokesperson for many diabetes related issues to encourage people and help them to manage their Type 2 diabetes. He is also an often-requested speaker for national conventions and trade shows where he talks about the topics of taking control of diabetes with diet and exercise, and the state of the American family. He compares the mythical Cleavers of the 1950’s to critique the entertainment industry in general with an emphasis on early television and the impact of current media and popular culture upon our society.
Jerry’s legitimate theater credits include the Broadway production of “Hairspray” at the Neil Simon Theater in New York, “Boeing, Boeing”, “Who’s On First”, and the national debut tour of “So Long Stanley” which played to standing room only houses across the country for 18 months.
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,” “Strange World” “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. Additionally, the “3rd Annual TV Land Awards” (2005) as John the gardener (“Desperate Classic Housewives” skit), “The War at Home” (2006), “Getting Around – Alternatives for Seniors Who No Longer Drive” – Host, PBS Documentary, (2007).
Motion picture 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. “Better Luck Tomorrow (2002) Sundance Film Festival judges award winner, “Angels with Angles” (2005), “Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector” (2006), “Will to Power” (2007), “The Hitchhiker” (2013), “Dad Dudes” (pilot), (2014) and “Lucky Day” (2015).
Jerry continues to do commercial work for national and regional spots. In 1950 his first commercial was for Pet Condensed Milk. Additional advertisers have included Kellogg’s (he was the first non-athlete on a box of corn flakes), General Electric, Purina, Kern, Chevrolet, Toyota, Doritos, General Mills, AOL, Coca Cola, Jenny Craig, Jim Beam, Biogen, and Johnson and Johnson.
When his schedule permits, Jerry who is an FCC licensed broadcaster, guest hosts on radio programs from coast to coast and is fully trained in both terrestrial and satellite broadcasting.
Jerry always enjoys meeting his fans and reminiscing when he makes personal appearances at trade shows and health conferences, colleges, on cruise ships, at corporate events, baseball games, museums, parades and other events around the country. He is always happy to talk with his fans, take photos and sign a personalized autograph.
The complete 234 episodes of Leave It To Beaver plus many extras, was released in a six set DVD package by Shout Factory in June of 2010.
In 2016 Jerry gave an inspiring commencement speech for the Indiana Tech graduating class and was awarded the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.
A few of many testimonials…
Jerry is WONDERFUL! I mean this. Of all the celebrities I’ve worked with, he and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have been the kindest, most down-to-earth and easiest to coordinate plans with than anyone!
Christopher Mitchell, PanCare Healthcare Centers of Florida, Inc.
After Jerry’s inspiring talk about managing diabetes, we were impressed to learn that several at-risk audience members were motivated to be tested.
Monika White PhD, CEO, WISE and Healthy Aging, Santa Monica, CA
Kudos to Jerry Mathers! What a fantastic evening. He was a gem to work with and so personable. He was so open and spoke from his heart. This was the true connecting factor with the audience.
Barb Lipinski, Coordinator, Adult Community Center, Marshall, MN
Website: www.jerrymathers.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thejerrymathers
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