Former Child Actor Charles Herbert ("The Donna Reed Show", "My Three Sons") 1948-2015 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-03-2015, 12:51 PM

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Charles Herbert

Dec 23rd, 1948 to Oct. 31st, 2015

There are phone calls you wish you didn’t answer. One such came last night when Jerry Saperstein called to tell me his younger brother, Charlie, had passed away last Saturday of a sudden heart attack.
You may not know the name unless you’re a Sci-Fi fan. Here’s a few titles so you’ll remember Charlie Herbert; “The Fly.” “13 Ghosts.” “The Boy and the Pirates.” And, from 1957 when Charlie played Robert Winter, my younger brother in “Houseboat.”

It’s hard to lose a life-long friend. I had just talked to him last Wednesday. We were making plans to go to dinner in two weeks. Charlie was up-beat and positive, looking forward to his next Sci-Fi convention. Things were good for him in Las Vegas. As always we ended our conversation by saying I Love You. We always said that because you just never know.

I immediately told my wife, Rana, and then made just one phone call…to Mimi Gibson (Rahal) who was also in “Houseboat” and was a critical factor in helping us bring Charlie back from the brink many years ago.
Charlie was a poster child for the Kid Actor Syndrome. Look him up on IMDB. 20 movies, 50 television shows. He supported his entire family from Age Four…and then his career came to an emphatic end. His take? $1,700 when he became an adult.
Damaged goods? I’ll say.

My friend died sober, looking forward to the future. Was he “scorned and covered with scars?” Of course. So what. Charlie Herbert was a good man who gave far more than he got. He was grateful that he lived to get his modest pension from Screen Actors Guild. God, I’m going to miss him.
Paul Petersen

Coffeecup · 11-14-2015, 10:34 AM

Nice little remembrance from Paul. I remember seeing a few episodes of Charlie playing a military cadet with a widow father on the Donna Reed show. A small boy but he did a wonderful job. 55 some years ago. Time has passed so fast.

Marvo301 · 11-14-2015, 08:18 PM

I will always remember Charles Herbert as David the military school runaway who always ran away to the Stone's house on "The Donna Reed Show"!

Charles Herbert

gidgetgrape · 11-14-2015, 11:30 PM

Mr. Herbert's harmonica solo in "Houseboat" always makes me cry and I loved his appearances on "The Donna Reed Show." RIP!

11-03-2015, 12:51 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,416	Former Child Actor Charles Herbert ("The Donna Reed Show", "My Three Sons") 1948-2015 Link Charles Herbert Dec 23rd, 1948 to Oct. 31st, 2015 There are phone calls you wish you didn’t answer. One such came last night when Jerry Saperstein called to tell me his younger brother, Charlie, had passed away last Saturday of a sudden heart attack. You may not know the name unless you’re a Sci-Fi fan. Here’s a few titles so you’ll remember Charlie Herbert; “The Fly.” “13 Ghosts.” “The Boy and the Pirates.” And, from 1957 when Charlie played Robert Winter, my younger brother in “Houseboat.” It’s hard to lose a life-long friend. I had just talked to him last Wednesday. We were making plans to go to dinner in two weeks. Charlie was up-beat and positive, looking forward to his next Sci-Fi convention. Things were good for him in Las Vegas. As always we ended our conversation by saying I Love You. We always said that because you just never know. I immediately told my wife, Rana, and then made just one phone call…to Mimi Gibson (Rahal) who was also in “Houseboat” and was a critical factor in helping us bring Charlie back from the brink many years ago. Charlie was a poster child for the Kid Actor Syndrome. Look him up on IMDB. 20 movies, 50 television shows. He supported his entire family from Age Four…and then his career came to an emphatic end. His take? $1,700 when he became an adult. Damaged goods? I’ll say. My friend died sober, looking forward to the future. Was he “scorned and covered with scars?” Of course. So what. Charlie Herbert was a good man who gave far more than he got. He was grateful that he lived to get his modest pension from Screen Actors Guild. God, I’m going to miss him. Paul Petersen
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

11-14-2015, 08:18 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	I will always remember Charles Herbert as David the military school runaway who always ran away to the Stone's house on "The Donna Reed Show"! Charles Herbert
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

11-14-2015, 10:34 AM	#2
Coffeecup coffeecup. Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 17, 2003 Location: snoozeville Posts: 3,183	Nice little remembrance from Paul. I remember seeing a few episodes of Charlie playing a military cadet with a widow father on the Donna Reed show. A small boy but he did a wonderful job. 55 some years ago. Time has passed so fast.

11-14-2015, 11:30 PM	#4
gidgetgrape Forever Gidget Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 20, 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 3,505	Mr. Herbert's harmonica solo in "Houseboat" always makes me cry and I loved his appearances on "The Donna Reed Show." RIP!