Hugh Beaumont's unusual side hustle

You'll never guess who he was in cahoots with!

January 23, 2025, 2:42PM By MeTV Staff

The Everett Collection

Being "Dad" doesn't pay the bills by itself. Sometimes, a fellow has to pick himself up by the bootstraps and make a few bucks the hard way. Not everyone can manage their lifestyle on just one income, either. Folks often have to resort to multiple revenue streams. Thus, we find the need for a "side hustle," work that supplements our main job.

Hugh Beaumont is remembered as Ward Cleaver, the trusted father figure on Leave It to Beaver. As Ward, Beaumont became a beloved figure of wholesome Americana. He was the stern, but not forceful, voice of authority for an entire generation.

While acting was his primary gig, Beaumont turned to a surprising source for some additional cash.

According to the agricultural publication AgWeek, Hugh Beaumont owned a Christmas tree farm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. While the business had its seasonal limitations, it provided enough of an opportunity to be a worthwhile endeavor.

AgWeek interviewed Grand Rapids tree farmer Carl Wegner, who said that Beaumont's business plan involved growing the trees in Minnesota and shipping them off to California. A photo from the Minnesota Historical Society depicts Beaumont selling a tree to variety show host Lawrence Welk.

As if the story wasn't already unlikely enough, Beaumont co-owned the business with another famous face.

“The guy who owned the other half of the 40-acre farm was a former Marlboro Man,” Wegner said. “So you’d see the pictures of him around. But he must have been friends with Hugh because they got into business together.”