Jerry Mathers' mom didn't want him on Beaver

His parents were never prepared for a series.

NBC/Universal

When Jerry Mathers auditioned for the part that would define his career, he and his family thought it was a one-off gig. 

Leave It to Beaver would then last six whole seasons, becoming one of the most beloved, and most rewatched, sitcoms in TV history. However, this unexpected development left some parties feeling undermined. According to Mathers in a 1963 interview with the Omaha World-Herald, his family hadn't prepared for more than one show.

"Mom didn't really want me to do a series," said 14-year-old Jerry Mathers. "She'd already turned down three of them for me. The agents told her this was a 'one shot' in order to get me there.

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"When Dad found out it was a pilot, he said 'Don't worry about it. Those things don't sell.'"

While many pilots fail to develop into a long-running series, Leave It to Beaver, of course, made the cut. With some retooling, the show far outlasted the Mathers family's original projection.

"My little brother, Jimmy, was just a baby then," Jerry Mathers said, reflecting on the show's early days. "And my sister, Susie, was only six. It kept mother's hands full taking care of them and looking after me, getting me to the studio and all, as well as being with me on set." 

He attributed the show's longevity to the way Beaver evolved each season, maturing little by little just as a real kid might.

"I kinda think the part grew up with me, if you know what I mean," said Mathers. "It seems more like that than me growing up with the series."

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17 Comments

Scott76112 1 month ago
Watching it today, I am struck by how un-PC it is in a lot of ways.
For example, the kids talk in very violent terms -- "Dad's gonna kill you!"

But you know what? I'm from that era, and that's how kids talked. Yet we weren't violent. There were some dust-ups, but nobody got hurt. (Like a flock of sparrows, squawking and fussing.) It was how we learned to get along.

The other thing is the *freedom* kids had. I can remember going down to the banks of the Wisconsin River, exploring around, and traipsing back home, dirty as a coal miner. My mother would express disapproval, but the next day we'd do it all over again.
DarylAtlanta 1 month ago
I was visiting a friend (my age, early 70's) out-of-town and several of their age 11-13 years old grand-kids were also visiting overnight at the same time from about 100 mile away. Everyone was in the kitchen having something to eat and the TV was on MeTv and Leave It to Beaver was on. The visiting kids were clearly NOT interested in a "ancient, Black-&-White TV show", though the grandparents suggested that the kids "give the show a chance" as it was a highly rated/popular show back in the day..and to overlook all the "ancient" looking stuff" that they'd be seeing. They said to just pay attention to the kids and the relationship they had with their parents (and friends) and what all was happening on the screen. The grand-kids agreed and soon "sorta" got into the show -- especially Wally and "The Beaver." -- As the show progressed, Beaver/Wally came into the kitchen where mom (June Cleaver) was tidying up the kitchen (just after breakfast). Beaver/Wally told their mom that they were going to meet-up with some of their friends and walk/ride bikes to several places and such...(Seemingly to occupy most of the day) -- (also, the grand-kids were realizing that besides Beaver-&-Wally, that the group would be all kids-to-early teens out together for the day with no adults around -which in those days, was the norm). Then after listening to Beaver/Wally share their plans, June Clever (Mom) said "Okay boys, but be home in time for dinner" ...and to have fun. That all being said -- the visiting grand-kids "jaws dropped" in total disbelief that these two "TV kids" and their friends could be out on their own -- all day without any parents /grown-ups around. The funniest part of this story was after my friends (the grandparents) had explained that the show was set in a different time and that "things were much more relaxed and easy-going back then". The visiting grand-kids, still in disbelief -- that all of these TV Kids could have unsupervised freedom and be out on their own" -- they looked at each other and exclaimed -- [paraphrased] "Yeah right...no way this would happen...this (TV) show is so fake !!! " -- Lesson learned, these grand-kids could neither imagine such freedom and if they were allowed to go outside alone, they'd not know how to act or proceed -- much-less be gone for the day without their parents around. (And as a result, they won't be prepared for life in the real-world, when age 16, or even age 18 rolls around).
JohninND DarylAtlanta 1 month ago
I remember that freedom, I'm 65 was a kid in the late 60'-early 70's. It was a great time. I agree that sadly many kids these days are lacking a real world engagement growth experience.
KirwoodDerby 1 month ago
The show's success was likely due to the exceptional talent and natural charisma of the young cast, including Jerry, who captivated audiences with their performances. The show's creators were able to harness the actors' abilities to create a compelling and engaging narrative that resonated with viewers.
LalaLucy 1 month ago
So glad the show got picked up and it worked out for Jerry to play Beaver. One of the best shows ever made. ❤️
ecarfar 1 month ago
Possibly the best show ever made.
MrsPhilHarris 1 month ago
I love that show, although June drives me nuts when she volunteers the boys to go to dance, babysit, etc.
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Bill55705 MrsPhilHarris 1 month ago
When I went to school. Girls had to wear dresses to school. An when it was cold out they could wear pants underneath the dress. They had to take them off when in class. We had a coat room so they could remove or put them on. The nice thing is. Things have changed over the years for the good
MrsPhilHarris Bill55705 1 month ago
I vaguely remember that too. So bizarre. My mother thought it was ridiculous to expect little girls to not be allowed to wear pants in the classroom during winter.
DaisyDuke67 Jacki 1 month ago
And don't for get the pearl necklaces too. LOL
Jacki DaisyDuke67 1 month ago
Definitely. Lol 😄
MichaelPowers 1 month ago
LITB was a wonderfully written & performed TV show. Much more realistic than many others.
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