And Jerry Mathers as the Beaver

by Jerry Mathers

Traces the life of the star of "Leave it to Beaver" and his transition back into "normal" life as a teenager detailing his struggle with dyslexia and his relationship with the other cast members

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

213 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tom Stamper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this from the library shortly after it was published in 1998 and came away thinking that Jerry Mathers is the kind of friend anyone would be happy to have. His parents gave him a pretty regular life despite his acting career. He stopped performing around the time he entered high school and then went off and joined the army during Vietnam.

The story that stands out in my mind is his audition for Beaver. There were a ton of kids that showed up and afternoon started running into evening. Jerry complained to his mother that he didn't want to miss his cub scout meeting and the producers found that quality was what made him such a regular kid and right for the show. I think that's also why he is so easy to identify with if you saw the show growing up.

Personal Note: I was at the new Commiskey park on July 5, 1995 and I saw Beaver Clever and Eddie Haskell throw out the first pitch. I think that probably influenced my decision to read this a few years later.

[Rocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Mr. Mathers for writing and having other cast members give their thoughts, too. You just don't know how much the show and the great writing means to us now, the Boomers! Nothing is the same, nor will it ever be. But it's nice to hope and dream just like Beaver.

[Stacey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful look at the life of Jerry Mathers as an actor and as himself. Starting at a very young age Jerry spent a lot of his youth in front of the camera. But most of it was by accident not design. Luck played a big part in roles he got but it was soon apparent that the young boy had what it takes to be an actor. Wanting kids that were easy to control, knew their lines and would show up on time the powers that be wanted kids like Jerry. His parents were supportive but did not push acting on him. His mother brought him to auditions and was on set during the TV series that made him famous. Jerry didn't care about being famous or being an actor but he enjoyed it. The back lots were his playground. The Leave it to Beaver cast were his friends. He didn't know that he would forever be known as the Beaver and when the series ended he just wanted to be a "normal" boy....go to school, play on the sports teams, etc. His fame meant nothing to him but he couldn't escape it either. He grew up to embrace the Beaver but to become Jerry Mathers....to be who he was. He never turned down the bitter road that takes so many child actors down it's ugly path. He stayed away from drugs, didn't blame the Beaver for ruining his life....he just grew from the experience. He kept it a positive thing. he kept in touch with the cast and did some other projects with Tony Dow and the others from time to time. Acting a nice addition but not his total life. A good balance for sure. Maybe his parents being so supportive, kind and understanding had a lot to do with the way he turned out....maybe it was all Jerry....but he turned out to be a grown up version of the boy he portrayed on TV....a nice, funny, kind person who sometimes got in a little bit of trouble but found a way out through the help of friends and family.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good autobiography about the life of Jerry Mathers, who was an actor, most famously known for "The Beaver," on "Leave it to Beaver." Enjoyed the book a lot and about what had happened to the cast from the show.

If you ever watch reruns of "Leave it Beaver," then definitely read this book. It was published in 1998. Despite its age, it still is an interesting read.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming, delightful read about the history of the Golden Age of Television. Not just about Jerry Mathers, but the entire TV industry and how it shaped society. Unlike many celebrity memoirs, this one isn’t depressing, and virtually every early TV star you can think of makes an appearance.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad little remembrance of life of Jerry Mathers and impact of Beaver Cleaver on America. Nostalgia for a lost suburban world!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watch a couple of old Beavers almost every morning. It seemed like a good idea to hear about the show right from the Beaver's mouth.

[Barry Paul Autry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you “Beaver”, Mr Mathers, for such a wonderful book! I loved reading about your life before, during, and after your time as the Beaver!