From Jerry's website:

http://www.jerrymathers.com/my-mothers-memories-of-hugh-beaumont/

A fantastic story!

Jack

Thanks Jack for posting that information about Hugh. Providence must have sent him. To think that Jerry's mother was responsible for Hugh getting the part of Ward Cleaver. Hugh was brilliant playing Ward. If they had kept Casey Adams a.k.a. Max Schowalter it would not be the show it is today. Imagine Barbara married to Max? That Ward Cleaver smoked in the pilot. Ward Cleaver never would have done that. It wasn't setting a good example.

That story should put a smile on everybody's face :)

Thanks Jack for posting that information about Hugh. Providence must have sent him. To think that Jerry's mother was responsible for Hugh getting the part of Ward Cleaver. Hugh was brilliant playing Ward. If they had kept Casey Adams a.k.a. Max Schowalter it would not be the show it is today. Imagine Barbara married to Max? That Ward Cleaver smoked in the pilot. Ward Cleaver never would have done that. It wasn't setting a good example.

It's so cool!!!

Was Providence the studio were Hugh and Jerry first worked together?

Jack

LOL I probably should have said "divine providence" you know that expression that God is in complete control of all things. I really am not religious but I meant by saying someone was looking after that show.

According to Marilyn Mathers, the Jerry Fairbanks Studio in Hollywood filmed the Rose Hill Memorial Park commercial.

Hugh is very good explaining keeping your house in order. He has the perfect voice and manner that...well makes Ward Cleaver, Ward Cleaver. Jerry's sweet, sincere facial expressions while tucked in bed strengthen the scene too.

I don't think the LITB cast or writers even knew they had what they had at the time. For the show to last 50+ years and touch so many, I'd say "divine providence" is an apt description of all the forces coming together.

It was nice Barbara lived long enough to realize the lasting value of the show and see her work appreciated. Hugh's ex-wife writes in her memoirs, "In a letter, Barbara Billingsley expressed a wish that I have often felt---that Hugh could have lived to experience the impact that the show had on so many lives. He contributed so much to its success." Easy to agree with that.

Thanks Jack for posting that information about Hugh. Providence must have sent him. To think that Jerry's mother was responsible for Hugh getting the part of Ward Cleaver. Hugh was brilliant playing Ward. If they had kept Casey Adams a.k.a. Max Schowalter it would not be the show it is today. Imagine Barbara married to Max? That Ward Cleaver smoked in the pilot. Ward Cleaver never would have done that. It wasn't setting a good example.

The story sets a precedent how those going into the show, knew that they had something really special! I don't know if they envisioned people still talking about the show fifty-five years later! However, there is this incredible magic within the cast of "Beaver", the crew, the writers, and the producers, that I think could live forever! All generations are touched and joyed by this realistic family series that was not only funny, but it had great morals and values for families. You don't see that on today's TV shows anymore.

Jack

It is nice that Jerry's mother has seen her son live through the years following Jerry's life.