Jerry's Story

Jerry Mathers

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 from 1957 to 1963 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. In 2017, the show celebrated 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’s legitimate theater credits include “Boeing, Boeing”, and the national debut tour of “So Long Stanley” both of which he performed with Tony Dow in the late 1970’s. They played to standing room only houses across the country for 18 months!

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 in New York. 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 now helps educate individuals about the importance of early diagnosis, diet and exercise, and the proper treatments for diabetes. Jerry also hosted a DVD about diabetic neuropathy which was distributed to patients at hospitals and free clinics across the United States.

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 served in the military as a member of the 146th Wing of the California Air National Guard for six years.  His position was that of a staff coordinator in the Wing headquarters. 

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. Most recently Jerry and his wife Teresa did a commercial for Revitive which is a machine that helps stimulate blood flow to the feet and relieves leg aches and pains.

In 2016 Jerry gave an inspiring commencement speech for the Indiana Tech graduating class and was awarded the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.

Jerry always enjoys meeting his fans and reminiscing when he makes personal appearances at trade shows, health conferences, colleges, baseball games, parades, on cruise ships and at many autograph shows around the country. He enjoys communicating with his fans about his merchandise website, and is happy that they are enjoying pieces of LITB history!  Jerry is always happy to talk with his fans, take photos and sign a personalized autograph.