When did Mr. Wilson retire?

[gonzo40]

Any guess at what age Mr. Wilson retired? Mine would be 49. In the 2nd season episode "Out of retirement" George said he retired 5 years ago and using his real age at death of 55 near the end of season 3 would place him at 54 during season 2. I do not believe his on air age is ever given... His investment income must have been great.... All subjective of course...

[schmave]

Originally Posted by gonzo40

Any guess at what age Mr. Wilson retired? Mine would be 49. In the 2nd season episode "Out of retirement" George said he retired 5 years ago and using his real age at death of 55 near the end of season 3 would place him at 54 during season 2. I do not believe his on air age is ever given... His investment income must have been great.... All subjective of course...

I figured he had retired a few years before the series began. It was established in the first episode of season 2 that he had worked in Pittsburgh at one time, and it's also been mentioned that he and Martha lived at 625 Elm when Dennis was born (around 1951 or so?).
And yeah I don't think it was ever established exactly how old the Wilsons are, but I think it can be assumed that George was meant to be older than Joseph Kearns' actual age (52 when the series began). Still, pretty young to retire!

[Hazel Anyday]

They dyed Joseph Kearns hair gray on the sides so he'd appear older. Ever see him on I Love Lucy or Jack Benny or anywhere else? He always had all black hair (though that may have been touched up too, but he didn't have as much gray as he appeared to have on Dennis.) He was probably supposed to be in his 60's in the series though he was 10 years younger in real life. Back to reality, he really died quite young. When I was a kid I thought one day I'll be as old as Mr. Mitchell but never dreamed I'd be as old as Mr. Wilson, now I'm even older than Wilson. Time, it do fly.