The series Leave It To Beaver debuted in 1957 and continued to enchant television audiences through 1964. Born on June 2, 1948 in Sioux City Iowa, actor Jerry Mathers, starred in the series, which ran for six seasons, totaling 234 episodes. Currently shown on TV Land and in countries throughout the world, Leave It To Beaver has made Jerry an icon of generations. Jerry was one of the first actors, child or adult, who received a percentage of the shows merchandise revenue, even to this day.

Named as one of the most well known individuals in television history by People Magazine in 1989, generations of Americans and people throughout the world are familiar with Jerry Mathers. He has one of the highest "Q" ratings for name and face recognition in the United States.

Jerry's show business career began at age two on the Ed Wynn Television Show. In 1954, he co-starred with Linda Darnell in This Is My Love. He caught the attention of Alfred Hitchcock who signed him for the 1955 film, The Trouble With Harry, staring Shirley McLain and John Forsythe. 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: Deep Six and Men of the Fighting Lady.

Leave it to Beaver went on air on October 4th, 1957. When it ended in 1964, Jerry finished his high school education and graduated from the University of California, Berkley with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy. During this time Jerry cut two records for A & M Records and traveled with his band "Beaver and The Trappers" for three summers. After college, Jerry began a successful career in banking and real estate development, using his savings from his acting career. A member of the 22nd Air Force National Guard, Jerry dispelled all rumors of dying in Vietnam.

In 1978, Jerry reentered the entertainment industry when he toured a number of cities for 18 months performing in So Long Stanley. This was followed by staring roles in three other plays. In 1982, Jerry and his former cast members, were requested by Universal Television to return to his acting career as Beaver Cleaver in the made-for-TV movie, Still the Beaver. The high ratings led to the development of The New Leave It To Beaver, which ran for 108 episodes.

At the end of the series, Jerry pursued his film and television career making guest appearances in several movies and TV series.

Today, Jerry remains a very requested speaker at national conventions concerning the emotional state of the American family as compared to the mythical Cleavers of the 1950's and the entertainment industry, early television and the impact of media on popular culture.

Due to his personal experience with health issues, Jerry is also a very requested spokesman for health related corporation and campaigns, such as The National Psoriasis Foundation currently working on the step into my skin campaign.

Residing in Southern California, Jerry Mathers has been managed for more than a decade by " McInerney". Brian W. McInerney was co-founder of the Byron Scott Children's Fund, which distributed over four-million dollars to charities relating to the medical, emotional and educational needs of children.

Credit: jerrymathers.tv