Jerry Mathers Urges Support for Jon Provost and Laurie Jacobson

Leave It to Beaver was one of television’s most beloved sitcoms, running from 1957 to 1963 and leaving behind a timeless legacy. While many of its stars, including Barbara Billingsley, Hugh Beaumont, and Tony Dow, have passed away, Jerry Mathers—the actor who brought “The Beav” to life—is still cherishing the memories with fans. At 77, he continues to honor the show’s legacy while supporting projects that matter to him and the people he cares about.

Recently, Mathers reached out to fans with a special request tied to another classic series of the same era. According to Parade, Jerry Mathers asked his supporters to rally behind his longtime friend Jon Provost, best known as Timmy from Lassie, and Provost’s wife, Laurie Jacobson. The couple is currently competing for the title of “America’s Favorite Couple,” a contest that could help bring aid to animals in need.

Jerry Mathers Supports His Friends in Their Mission

Young Jerry Mathers portraying Beaver Cleaver — Jerry Mathers captured hearts as Beaver on the classic sitcom Leave It to Beaver. / Wikimedia Commons

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Jerry Mathers explained that Jon Provost and Laurie Jacobson are not only up for the honor but also plan to donate the $20,000 prize to shelter pets and war dogs. With overcrowded shelters across the country, the cause is one close to their hearts. Mathers described them as “a great couple” and encouraged fans to show support by casting a free daily vote.

Jerry Mathers smiling at a recent TV nostalgia event — Jerry Mathers, beloved for his role as Beaver Cleaver, appearing at a fan event in 2024 / Wikimedia Commons

Provost and Jacobson’s story has already captured attention. The pair met later in life, which they say allowed them to build a new chapter together filled with love, devotion, family, and senior dogs. Their enduring bond and commitment to giving back are part of why Mathers felt it was so important to spotlight their journey to fans of classic television.

A Nostalgic Connection Between TV Eras

Jerry Mathers, Barbara Billingsley, and Hugh Beaumont pose together in a classic Leave It to Beaver promotional photo. — Jerry Mathers with Barbara Billingsley and Hugh Beaumont in a beloved Leave It to Beaver promo shot./WikimediaCommons

What makes this appeal especially meaningful is the connection between Leave It to Beaver and Lassie—two shows that helped define American television in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Jerry Mathers, who grew up alongside audiences as Beaver Cleaver, continues to share in the nostalgia of that golden era of family programming by linking his story to Provost’s. Both men remain cherished symbols of a television generation that prized values of family, loyalty, and compassion.

the-new-leave-it-to-beaver — THE NEW LEAVE IT TO BEAVER (aka STILL THE BEAVER), from left standing: Janice Kent, Tony Dow, Jerry Mathers, Kip Marcus; seated from left:Kaleena Kiff, Barbara Billingsley, and John Snee, 1983-89. ©Universal Television/courtesy Everett Collection

For Mathers, this latest request is more than just about a contest. It’s about celebrating enduring friendships, supporting meaningful causes, and reminding fans that the stars who shaped their childhood memories are still finding ways to give back. Decades after Leave It to Beaver first aired, Jerry Mathers is proving once again why audiences have always held him close to their hearts.