‘Leave It To Beaver’ Actors Jerry Mathers And Tony Dow On The Unlikely Success Of The Sitcom

‘Leave It To Beaver’ Actors Jerry Mathers And Tony Dow On The Unlikely Success Of The Sitcom | TODAY

Рет қаралды 458,534

6 жыл бұрын

Actors Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow, who played Beaver and Wally on “Leave It To Beaver,” sit down with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford to talk about what their TV parents were like in real life.
» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/SubscribeToTODAY
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/ReadTODAY
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/LikeTODAY
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/FollowTODAY
Follow TODAY on Google+: on.today.com/PlusTODAY
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/InstaTODAY
Follow TODAY on Pinterest: on.today.com/PinTODAY
‘Leave It To Beaver’ Actors Jerry Mathers And Tony Dow On The Unlikely Success Of The Sitcom | TODAY

Пікірлер: 474

@charlandaward6134 Жыл бұрын

Rest in peace Tony Dow. Your legacy will live on.

@Jamestele1 Жыл бұрын

There's always a Wally type. It's timeless and he played it best. He played to good looking, athletic guy who was kind and honest, and didn't pick on smaller kids.

@MamaBoots007 Жыл бұрын

Dear Tony has passed into eternity today.....part of my life has passed with him 💔

@terryevp4084 Жыл бұрын

These two Guys are Legends. Rest in peace Tony Dow...!!!

@richardlemaster1586 5 жыл бұрын

So sad that they don't make shows like that anymore. Where has our heart and soul gone 😢

@garyschultz883 Жыл бұрын

@James yeah the ruling elite sold us out. shipping jobs overseas & starting wars for us to fight... but they allow us to live on the streets & keep borders open to bring us fentanyl to numb the pain...but the chaos created will eventually destroy even them ..

@KnockOffBeingFat Жыл бұрын

People are completely different now and will continue to get worse but then will eventually and hopefully get better again some day.

@jujubeanzer6213 Жыл бұрын

Money is what happened

@attsealevel Жыл бұрын

Lots of cynical comments on this thread. Maybe better to ask: -- why so much ignorance in America today? -- why are so few willing to invest in and educate themselves? -- why are so few willing to work hard anymore? -- what's happened to the american work ethic? This constant complaining has become the ugly side of America. Not an ideology this show would've ever advocated or embraced.

@attsealevel Жыл бұрын

@James Actually, not so much. Homeless at 15 (living outside even). I got myself through highschool and then went on to engineering. I now work between Munich and Boston, hiking and skiing in the Alps just about every weekend in the fall and winter. All this because I was willing to work my butt off from early on. I see too many Americans complaining about what they don't have, blaming the world instead of doing something about it. If you really gave it some thought James, you sound like you fit the perfect archtype here. Did you learn nothing from "Leave it to Beaver".

@larkpraise 5 жыл бұрын

It's so heartwarming to know that Tony and Jerry are close! They had a wonderful bond on the show as the show was really about the two of them as brothers.

@lpdog82 Жыл бұрын

i was a little kid in the 60s and i sure miss tv shows like this, i dont even watch modern tv anymore because its so dark and violent , i sure miss the good clean fun back then

@barcrrt850 5 жыл бұрын

I still watch 2 episodes every day. There is just something about this show that makes people feel good. Someday I hope to meet those 2 great people.

@garybeckefeld9613 4 жыл бұрын

i agre the best of times my friend!!

@johndean4727 4 жыл бұрын

Me too.

@ccdogpark 2 жыл бұрын

I used to watch a Gunsmoke episode ever night, but I grew tired of watching episodes more than one or two times and stopped doing this. Especially since many of the episodes had the same basic theme.

@jackiethrasher5609 Жыл бұрын

I watch them daily on Roku channel .It's the best. You can watch which ever one you want when you want to. Leave it to Beaver gives me laughs the time

@DMR4736 Жыл бұрын

@@ccdogpark Same with me, in watching Bonanza, but then grew a little tired of it...

@shanswanwaters5822 5 жыл бұрын

I love those guys !!! The show was the best and still is till this very day. God bless Wally & Beave.

@onefatstratcat 2 жыл бұрын

who the heck is ..Wolly? :0

@jackiethrasher5609 Жыл бұрын

Wally and Beave are my two favorites. I also like the fact in they always have good clean qualities for everyday living

@lowerclassbrats77 5 жыл бұрын

I watch this show every night with my boys, they love it. Even though they're fictional characters, I've learned a lot from Ward and June about how a parent should be.

@elvicare35 5 жыл бұрын

I have alway's really liked Wally's character too, such a cool and decent person!!!!!

@richardfernandez7466 5 жыл бұрын

Even after 60 years I look forward to watch Leave It to Beaver every morning that I can good show good family morals and funny I'll keep watching as long as I can

@chickenfeet1262 5 жыл бұрын

Tony's skin is flawless for his age

@HiHi-xk5mb 4 жыл бұрын

Tony really looks good. His skin is beautiful, wrinkle-free.

@captainpinky8307 3 жыл бұрын

@Stevie Wayne And good diet i expect.

@lindagonzalez1529 3 жыл бұрын

Tony looks younger then Jerry! Oh, Tony has the white hair but look at his eyes, his demeanor. The way he carries himself.

@dmc898 5 жыл бұрын

I love LEAVE IT TO BEAVER! It ran before I was born but I record it now. I wish family values were like that today. Beaver was adorable, he and Wally made such good brothers, they couldnt have picked a better cast. They should have gave them more time, I wanted to hear more about Leave it to beaver!!!

@joegarza7065 Жыл бұрын

Tony, you will always live in our hearts, and minds. You spirit will live on. Good Man

@robinsnest4306 5 жыл бұрын

We need more shows like this on tv today.. Clean wholesome family fun and humor.. It seriously was good clean humor. I still watch every morning along with Hazel Dennis the Menace and all the other old shows. It brings back memories of growing up during that time.

@ibrake4butterflies733 5 жыл бұрын

Man .... why didn’t they let them talk longer? They were all ready to talk about some interesting stuff and they quickly cut off and away they went to the commercial. I wanted to hear more. LITB is my favorite tv show ever. We watch it now in reruns and with all the complicated crap in our world it’s just so refreshing to watch and actually still funny . It has always felt very authentic.

@trainliker100 3 жыл бұрын

Because these shows are designed for the attention span of today's average listener which, nowadays, must be equivalent to a two-year old. If longer and more in depth interviews would help the ratings, they would do it.

@ibrake4butterflies733 3 жыл бұрын

@@trainliker100 So sad but true. Is that why I don’t get Sponge bob Square Pants? It’s just fast yelling at the same loud tone through the entire cartoon.The visuals are great. Other than that I have no idea what’s going on. It’s so annoying.

@cdcVintage 6 жыл бұрын

I believe I've seen every episode. When I need to escape the dark reality of today I watch the show to this day!

@Lava1964 5 жыл бұрын

For years a TV station in Barrie, Ontario showed reruns at lunchtime. I taped all 234 episodes on my VCR in the late 1980s. Yes, I still have them.

@bluetwinbill794 5 жыл бұрын

@@Lava1964 We still enjoy it every few weeks. But now we cut the cord. :(

@jaycesixx6723 4 жыл бұрын

@@Lava1964 I live in Barrie too! I remember that. Played at noon. Never missed it

@kristinclyburn5472 3 жыл бұрын

Omg! Me too!

@senseichess8688 2 жыл бұрын

@@Lava1964 me too its a great show

@bmasterb6470 5 жыл бұрын

Tony Dow (Wally) is still one cool dude.

@Johnny53kgb-nsa 6 жыл бұрын

They should have had Eddie Haskell on with them, that dude's wise cracks were so funny. Great show guys.

@bmasterb6470 5 жыл бұрын

In real life, Eddie was an LA police officer.

@davidkite7077 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah Eddie "Hassle" lol

@JJTownley_Classical-Composer 4 жыл бұрын

Great T-shirt caption I saw with Ken Osmond's pic: "Wally, I swear if your dumb brother comes with us I'm gonna...Oh, hello, Mrs. Cleaver. I was just telling Wallace how nice it would be if Theodore accompanied us to the movies."

@asee818 4 жыл бұрын

He had passed already

@Undercutt_Sneakers 4 жыл бұрын

The Don he’s still alive

@HappySlayer81 4 жыл бұрын

Tony was so handsome and still is. That man aged well.

@lohst1672 4 жыл бұрын

HappySlayer81 I think he looked better now

@rachelweinstein9008 2 жыл бұрын

@JDGmez: he was a dreamboat!

@ACyrrock004 2 жыл бұрын

creep alert

@sainttrunks1982 5 жыл бұрын

Miss Landers was the best looking TV Show Teacher Ever. 👩‍🎓🌹 💛

@JohnLittle-jc5bo Ай бұрын

I liked Miss Canfield better(Diane Brewster) I thought was better looking,but we men all have different tastes.Miss Landers was good looking and was from Phila.

@christhomas5761 5 жыл бұрын

Well good grief, the interview was over before it got started.

@Sam53148 4 жыл бұрын

they didn't get to talk about Lumpy, Eddie, even mom, or any of the other kids on the show.

@maryspencer4975 3 жыл бұрын

Blink and you miss it.

@deborahf.5671 4 ай бұрын

I thought so too. Why have these people on for what seems like 5 or 6 mins.?

@beavisroadhog9629 4 күн бұрын

Closer to three. @@deborahf.5671

@kendalekyle7527 6 жыл бұрын

They look great wow around 60 years ago they started the famous icon TV show leave it to beaver. Watching it again make you feel like a kid again.R.I.P that played Mr & Mrs Cleaver.Thank you for the memories 🙂.

@elvicare35 5 жыл бұрын

Great and cool parents!!!!!

@bmasterb6470 5 жыл бұрын

Love the episode where Beaver falls into the soup bowl on the billboard and can't get out. Eddie Haskell's "Save my Child" crowd response is classic funny stuff along with his interaction with the Beaver's father Ward while the firemen get Beaver out of the bowl.

@freeguy77 4 жыл бұрын

Eddie's line, "Here come the fire engines!" with appropriate fire engine noises, is also one of my favorite lines in that famous episode. Another one is this one: "Yeah, I'm a dumb kid, all right!" --Whitey, who goads Beaver into going up to see if there was really soup in the bowl

@bmasterb6470 5 жыл бұрын

This show was one of the best family shows of all time. First time I have seen Tony Dow in many years and he still looks fit and really good for his age. Always a pleasure to see the Beaver!

@llmc1 6 жыл бұрын

Loved seeing the guys again. Would have enjoyed just hearing them talk, instead of the hosts asking stupid questions.

@brunocapuchin4111 6 жыл бұрын

Greenie Williams o

@darrelljohnson1319 4 жыл бұрын

Host ruin shows escpecially these gossipy types today brainless blunders

@chuckcornelius194 3 жыл бұрын

welcome to morning network television.

@tomdurkins 3 жыл бұрын

The hosts are admitted drunks that drink wine at 9am. The morning. What do you expect.

@daisymaefrench4041 5 жыл бұрын

I'm 69 and grew up with show. Wow, we're all old now. Oh well, life goes on.

@rreynolds226 6 жыл бұрын

I watched this show all the time. These guys seem so real.

@cheril8891 6 жыл бұрын

Couple of great guys. Those Leave it to Beaver shows were so funny.

@jasonkhan854 3 жыл бұрын

They are absolutely television legends! I absolutely love the show even now! They need to get better recognition for their accomplishments. Love Wally and the Beave!

@phyllismontoroula9376 6 жыл бұрын

Jetry Mathers Tony Dow are still so great looking

@foreveragainOK 6 жыл бұрын

'Heck, Beav .. you want Dad to clobber you?'

@trollsthatlol1 5 жыл бұрын

'Well gee dad!'

@bluetwinbill794 5 жыл бұрын

Don't be a wiseguy Eddie.

@bobfriedman409 6 жыл бұрын

I happened to notice Tony sitting on the patio with his dog at Western Bagel in Woodland Hills, so I said hi , and sat down to chat with him for a few minutes. He asked me how I recognized him, and I said he looks like he did on the series. Then I was like Chris Farley " remember when you and Lumpy were in the car.......!!!??? " and he was very cool and patient with my nerdiness ..

@minivegana1355 5 жыл бұрын

Wow!!! That's GREAT!! I REALLY want to meet them in person. I hope it's soon!! I LOVE❤LITB FOREVER!!!🤗❤❤❤

@FanOfAyn 5 жыл бұрын

Tony Dow always had such a distinctive voice. I was expecting it to be the same, but it is gone.

@Lava1964 5 жыл бұрын

That interview was at least 10 minutes too short.

@woodrowwildcat3286 6 жыл бұрын

60 years and they get like 60 seconds? Ridiculous.

@GisherJohn24 4 жыл бұрын

they'd rather focus on fake news.

@renee8813 4 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY WOODROW

@renee8813 4 жыл бұрын

Jesus Saves 👍

@chuckster3629 4 жыл бұрын

That's probably as long as Tony and Jerry could tolerate those loony liberal women.

@rebeccalarson9014 4 жыл бұрын

Hated the way they were interviewed! No class..

@someofmypickscedar 5 жыл бұрын

They deserved more air time! Great to see them but too fast and random.

@rossmunn9770 6 жыл бұрын

Such fond memories, they are and were the best. When I sit down and watch an episode now, it just takes me right back to the moment of my childhood, I can get right into it, it's great. Thanks guys!

@vikkinicholson2300 5 жыл бұрын

as straight-laced as this show was, in its day, that IS how kids were raised. lots of parental control and obedience from the kids...imagine that??? this country in a simpler time for kids who knew what the word "family" meant and cherished it....the good and the bad.

@petermaxwell2965 5 жыл бұрын

There's one thing missing..Eddie haskel !! Just purchased the 2nd season..I'll never growup !!

@Videokid703 5 жыл бұрын

RIP BARB AND HUGH

@flashtimgordon8019 Жыл бұрын

Rest I. Peace Tony you were a great man

@sherrim4602 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful family - oriented series! RIP Eddie.

@JENDALL714 6 жыл бұрын

Wally looks younger than Beaver.

@lindaberg1695 4 жыл бұрын

"Heck, Beaver, those guys were giving you the business"....Love these guys! My favourite child actors of all time! Tony Dow is still as handsome as ever and Jerry still looks like the Beaver.......too bad the interview wasn't longer.....I'd love to see these guys interviewed in depth about the show, their co-stars, the making of the show, all of those things....It should be on record in their own words.

@dynjarren8355 Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed them both and also Eddie Haskell who was the wise guy on the show! I knew “friends” like him when I was a kid, too! Now they call them Frenemies. People who pretend they’re your friend but really despise you and work against you. He was good at making snide remarks and laughing it up.

@davep2103 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing how time flies. I feel really old after seeing those guys

@tootsiedawn2016 5 жыл бұрын

I love this program! I watched it EVERY CHANCE I GOT! I always thought Beaver was way too cute! 😊 I was born in 1971 so obviously I was watching reruns. I didn't care. I wish it was running again! Love it! ❤❤

@carlosbright9615 4 жыл бұрын

Jerry Mathers has not aged well, but Tony Dow looks much younger and his skin is smooth. I am watching 'Leave It To Beaver' at this moment on ME television. I grew up watching this show and I loved Wally and Beaver characters. They were loving brothers.

@thebatmanwhoposts9600 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony Dow I've been watching this show on Peacock again and absolutely love it.

@donloveless6033 Жыл бұрын

Still watchin My grandkids and great grandkids. Love the show and I’m 77

@ThePoobears 5 жыл бұрын

all they got was that short of an interview after all the years being on TV lol wow..

@renee8813 4 жыл бұрын

❤️Loved this show and I love these 2 gentlemen...Thank you for bringing us this segment.Congratulations & Happy 60th Anniversary on this classic GUYS!

@reinacoffee8557 6 жыл бұрын

Yes, best show ever!! Still enjoy watching the reruns.

@tmcge3325 6 жыл бұрын

Part of American History!!!!!!!!!!!!!Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@bluetwinbill794 5 жыл бұрын

I've never seen anything so rushed like that before. Nice job NBC

@rickrick5041 5 жыл бұрын

bluetwinbill In and out the door

@alcd6333 5 жыл бұрын

Very nostalgic - and a little bittersweet. It would be nice to see Barbara Billingsley and Hugh Beaumont with them, but sadly that's not possible.

@janelovesalldogs684 Жыл бұрын

It was interesting to hear about Hugh Beaumont. I'm glad Jerry and Tony were friends. Sorry to hear of Tony Dow's death. I'm glad Kathie Lee and Hoda did this interview with them.

@BarbaraMerryGeng 2 жыл бұрын

Wally & the Beaver !! That is so awesome !! I LOVE this show !!!

@robertbowen9417 6 жыл бұрын

I'm 68 and grew up on the beav, so did my kids

@novanut1964 3 жыл бұрын

one of my all time favorite shows growing up, thanks

@195511SM 6 жыл бұрын

I was watching an old episode of Bewitched a few years ago, and was surprised to see ( who I THOUGHT was ) Jerry Mathers ........looking exactly like the 12 year old 'Beaver'. I knew this couldn't be possible, and so waited for the end credits. Turns out it was his younger brother, which I never knew he had.

@MrVidaeverdade 6 жыл бұрын

The episode is called "Little Pitchers Have Big Fears." It's from the first season of Bewitched. I had the same impression when I saw that episode. At first, Oh wow, Jerry Mathers is on Bewitched! Then it occurred to me that the episode was from 1964 a year after Leave It to Beaver had gone off the air, and Jerry Mathers was already a teenager with a deepening voice at this point. So how can he be playing this kid? So I knew it had to be his brother (Jimmy Mathers). But except for the age difference, he looked like Jerry's identical twin! Maybe they were twins and their mother spent several years in labor. :)

@jeftex8875 6 жыл бұрын

Man, you're not kidding ! Jimmy Mathers is a belated twin to Jerry when they were young. Thanks to your knowledge of "TV trivia" I looked up the episode on Dailymotion. They look nothing alike now but back then, Beaver's clone !

@MrVidaeverdade 6 жыл бұрын

Your comment made me curious. I looked up a relatively recent photo of Jimmy Mathers and, no, he and Jimmy no longer resemble one another very much. How interesting that they can have such a strong resemblance early in life, then grow to look so different. images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjM0NTk1MzQ3MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTA4NTQ1MzE@._V1_UY1200_CR165,0,630,1200_AL_.jpg

@waynereeves7903 6 жыл бұрын

195511SM

@parisbest105 Жыл бұрын

Still watch this heartwarming show daily, too!! You guys are right!!... It just makes you feel good!! RIP sweet Tony!! 🙏💕

@missayawk 3 жыл бұрын

Because of this show, I'm wearing cardigan sweaters again.Cool look with a mock neck

@MrRedex88 5 жыл бұрын

Wow I'm watching Leave it to Beaver 0n TV and this popped up on my YT feed.

@exodia1892 5 жыл бұрын

Ive watch the whole season like so many times during summer

@alanstrong3295 5 жыл бұрын

Too late for Lumpy. Frank Bank has passed on. That was a riot when his old Ford came apart in the driveway. Bang!!

@elvicare35 4 жыл бұрын

lol

@beatricejanebelk9287 2 жыл бұрын

Happy Father's Days Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers I grawn up watching the 2 most famous great actors . Thank You. Beatri

@doloresdiaz1814 4 жыл бұрын

At My Age In My 60's Im Still A fan Of The Series.Good OLD Clean T.V.

@caroltandy999 2 жыл бұрын

Watching it now Gets my morning started

@pcallas66 4 жыл бұрын

Still my favorite show of all time.

@KiemLoanLe Жыл бұрын

I love both of you, Tony and Beaver. When you were very young, I watched you guys everyday. Love you!

@kathrynsacchi9006 4 жыл бұрын

The show is so clean.. I walk was have a date with clever family. Sorry for the loss eddie

@joseocasio7705 5 жыл бұрын

Wow luv the Beaver 👍🎥

@GenX_US_Marine Жыл бұрын

Holy Cow, leave it to beaver. Forgot about this show. This is the first time I've ever seen these 2 in color.

@ImSPOTon 2 жыл бұрын

Awww they warm my heart just seeing them

@mrsbond9743 4 жыл бұрын

I'm 59 years old and I still watch leave It to Beaver I tape it faithfully

@paulabaker8403 Жыл бұрын

Tiny Dow. I loved his character. Seemed like a great guy. R.I.P❤️

@mrsbond9743 4 жыл бұрын

Believe it or not yes I'm black but I had a awesome crush on Wally

@Jason_Sutton Жыл бұрын

Rest in Peace Tony Dow 😔🙏

@gial.1854 6 жыл бұрын

I love this,this so nice 2c these guys🤣

@lisahouk7776 5 жыл бұрын

TONYS OLDER,BUT JERRY LOOKS OLDER..THEY LOOK GREAT THOUGH!!

@sharoncurry6071 10 ай бұрын

Rest in peace TonyDow Hugh Beaumont and Barbara Billingsley Ken Osmond etc Jerry Mathers thank you all for the awesome memories I will always cherish them l still watch Leave it to Beaver on Metv channel 😊❤

@kennethsmith2952 Жыл бұрын

So Very Very Sad to hear this. This boy / Man has brought us so many laughs, happy moments, and good loving cheer through the years that none of us ever wanted it to end, with the good morals of his time which I believe we will never see again. So sorry to see you go, love from all of us Tony, and Thank you, we sure will miss you!!!

@rickricardo8731 4 жыл бұрын

They look good glad they had a good life 😁

@deborahf.5671 Жыл бұрын

Tony and Jerry are both good looking guys.

@lukefender2394 6 жыл бұрын

God bless them, there getting older, I use to watch them in the 80's when I was little on KTLA 5, miss those days man :')

@hhtmadaisy2000 6 жыл бұрын

What is the point of whether TD looks younger than JM? They are both blessed to be senior citizens, remember JM has survived diabetes and works diligently to help others. Both men have proven to be great role models for our generation, and wholesome entertainment for the rest of you. Hht

@lorenkolb9994 5 жыл бұрын

GREAT SHOW!!!!!

@timrogers3267 6 жыл бұрын

Tony Dow was studio-schooled through the whole series, meaning he never went to either Jr High or aHigh School. He was always athletic and a great diver.

@elvicare35 5 жыл бұрын

Swimmer, all around athlete!!!!!

@testodude 2 жыл бұрын

When you looked at Wally, you could always buy that he was the athlete the show proported him to be. Unlike Opie. Ron is cool, but Opie always looked very clumsy.

@shotgunbettygaming 3 жыл бұрын

Dang that was a hard transition LOL From Hugh hustling to run his ministry to 'So were all the girls digging Wally?!' to Mmm'buhbye now. LOL wowwwww hahahahahaha

@wandaatkinson9973 2 жыл бұрын

One of my favorite shows to this day.

@atbglenn 5 жыл бұрын

My 3 favorite shows back then were Car 54 Where Are you, Leave It To Beaver, and The Munsters. I still watch and love them. Today's TV shows really stink.

@keepitforreally4501 Жыл бұрын

RIP 😭🌹TONY DOW/WALLY CLEAVER You’re the best , you’re unique you are the best role model of a brother Son and friend.. 🌹🌹😭

@Suumac_ 6 жыл бұрын

Best show I've seen in a while

@minivegana1355 6 жыл бұрын

I LOVE😍 LITB 4EVER!!!😀👏👏❤❤❤

@ladypalomino3151 2 жыл бұрын

The best show and still the best. I still watch it. Its so funny. That was the perfect family..

@geraldday9716 5 жыл бұрын

Loved this show I still watched today., Wally still looks pretty good for his age, what happened to Beaver looks much older lol Terrible interview though these guys are legendary