Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver on “Leave It To Beaver,” will be the featured keynote speaker at the 2016 Florida Chautauqua Assembly themed “A Journey into America.” Jerry will address an audience of an estimated 825 people on Friday, January 29, 2016 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida and will discuss how life has changed in America since his appearances on “Leave It To Beaver” in the late 1950s and early 60s. His presentation is the highlight of the annual, historic 4-day educational program for families featuring famous or notable keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions, performance teas, evening dinner performances and exhibits relating to an annual theme.
Christopher Mitchell, president and program chair of the Florida Chautauqua Association orchestrates the annual historic Assembly. He says Jerry will deliver an inspiring keynote address for all ages in attendance. “Most young people today know ‘The Beave’ from watching re-runs on TV Land and ME TV, and I can hardly find anyone my age (51) or older who have never heard of the series,” he says. “So much has changed since the ‘Leave It To Beaver’ days, and Jerry is a perfect choice in outlining how those changes have impacted all of our lives in America.”
Born on June 2, 1948 in Sioux City Iowa, Jerry’s television and show business career began at the tender age of two when he did a Pet Condensed Milk commercial with Ed Wynn on the “Colgate Comedy Hour.” He continued to work on many of the early ‘50’s television shows and in 1954, he made his movie debut co-starring with Linda Darnell in “This Is My Love.” He then caught the attention of Alfred Hitchcock who signed him for the 1955 film, “The Trouble With Harry,” starring John Forsythe and Shirley MacLaine in what was her very first film role. The budding young actor next appeared in two Bob Hope movies, “The Seven Little Foys” and “That Certain Feeling.” Two movies with Alan Ladd followed, “The Deep Six” and “Men of the Fighting Lady.”
It was in 1957 however; with the debut of the series “Leave It To Beaver” that Jerry entered the hearts and homes of America. An immediate success, the show gained national attention and ran for six seasons, totaling 234 episodes. When it celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 4, 2007, the show became the longest running scripted show in television history. Currently shown on TV Land and in countries throughout the world, “Leave it to Beaver” has made Jerry an American Icon.
His television movie, “Still the Beaver”, was one of the top ten movies of the week for 1982 which led to the development of a new series entitled “The New Leave It To Beaver.” Jerry successfully completed filming 108 episodes which were syndicated and aired in all major domestic and foreign markets. As well as starring in the series, Jerry also directed multiple episodes.
Mathers has a high “Q” rating for name and face recognition and is known by people throughout the world. He was also named by People Magazine as one of the most well known individuals in television history.
He recently hosted the American Academy of Neurology Foundation’s patient education video and handbook entitled: “Diabetic Nerve Pain: A Guide for Patients and Families”. The video and guidebook are aimed at answering important questions for people who suffer from nerve pain due to diabetes.
In December 2010, Jerry became the first and only actor to ever star in a professional British Panto performed in the United States (an 800 year old English tradition). He played Baron Hardup in the theatrical debut of Cinderella, a Panto, produced by the Lythgoe family.
In 2007, Jerry made his Broadway debut with a starring role as Wilbur Turnblad in the Tony winning best musical, “Hairspray” at the Neil Simon Theater. Jerry in his first week boosted the attendance from 75% to 90% and for the rest of his run he played to standing room only houses with attendance at 110%.
In the mid 90’s Jerry was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. He took preventative action, lost 55 pounds and is currently one of the leading lecturers on living with and dealing with diabetes. Jerry has partnered with diverse organizations to bring awareness of this horrendous epidemic that our country is currently facing among both children and adults. He has been invited to share his experience with diabetes on “Larry King Live” numerous times and has spoken to the Congressional Caucus on diabetes at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Jerry also speaks with the media to alert individuals about the importance of early diagnosis, diet and exercise, and the proper treatment of diabetes.
In 2009 and 2010, Jerry was the national spokesperson for PhRMA and their Partnership for Prescription Assistance program. This organization helps uninsured and financially-struggling patients obtain prescription medicines for free or nearly free. The program is a nationwide effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research and manufacturing companies – raising awareness of patient assistance programs and the need to effectively address the rising and alarming rates of chronic disease. He also just completed a dvd on diabetic neuropathy which will be distributed for patients at hospitals and most free clinics across the United States.
Jerry is an often requested speaker at national conventions and trade shows talking about taking control of diabetes and the state of the American family. He compares the mythical Cleavers of the 1950’s to critique the entertainment industry in general with an emphasis on early television and the impact of current media and popular culture upon our society.
Jerry’s legitimate theater credits include “Hairspray”, Neil Simon Theater, “Boeing, Boeing”, “Who’s On First”, and the national debut tour of “So Long Stanley” which played to standing room only houses across the country for 18 months.
Jerry’s television credits also include “Ozzie and Harriet,” “December Bride,” “Red Skelton Show,” “Screen Directors Playhouse,” “Ray Bolger Show,” “Martin and Lewis,” “George Gobel Show,” “Lux Theater,” “NBC Matinee Theater,” “Texaco Theater,” “Bob Hope Show,” “Four Star Review,” “Spike Jones,” “Colgate Comedy Hour,” “Art Linkletter’s House Party,” “Lassie,” “My Three Sons,” “Family Affair,” “Batman,” “The Love Boat,” “Lily Tomlin for President,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “The Prodigy,” Academy Awards (presenter), “Vengeance Unlimited,” “Playing Patti,” “Alan Thicke Show,” “Vicki” (Vicki Lawrence Show), “Studs,” “Match Game,” “Hollywood Squares,” “Scattergories,” “Married with Children,” “Family Feud – celebrity edition,” “Howdy Doody Time Reunion,” “TV’s All Time Favorites,” “Dick Clark’s Super Bloopers and Practical Jokes,” “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose,” “Sexual Malice,” “Down the Drain,” “My Talk Show,” “Flying High,” “Fourth Network,” “Hardcastle and McCormick,” “Weakest Link,” “Prodigy,” “Conrad Bloom,” “Illeanarama Supermarket,”and “The Girl, the Gold Watch & Dynamite.” He has also had recurring spots on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. Additionally, the “3rd Annual TV Land Awards” (2005) as John the gardener (“Desperate Classic Housewives” skit), “The War at Home” (2006), “Getting Around – Alternatives for Seniors Who No Longer Drive” – Host, PBS Documentary, (2007).
Motion picture film credits include “Back to the Beach” with Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon and Pee Wee Herman, “Bigger Than Life,” “This is My Love” with Linda Darnell and Dan Duryea, “The Seven Little Foys” with Bob Hope, “That Certain Feeling” with Bob Hope, Eva Marie Saint, George Sanders, and Pearl Bailey, “The Shadow on the Window,” and “The Deep Six” and “Men of the Fighting Lady” with Alan Ladd. “Better Luck Tomorrow” (2002) Sundance Film Festival judges award winner, “Angels with Angles”– (2005), “Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector” (2006), “Will to Power” (2007).
Jerry continues to do commercial work for national and regional spots. Pet Condensed Milk was his first commercial in 1950. Additional advertisers have included Kellogg’s (he was the first non-athlete on a box of corn flakes), General Electric, Purina, Kern, Chevrolet, Toyota, Doritos, General Mills, AOL, Coca Cola, Jenny Craig, Jim Beam, Biogen, and Johnson and Johnson.
Those interested in sponsoring or attending Jerry Mathers’ historic presentation and other events of the Florida Chautauqua Assembly scheduled for Thursday, January 28 through Sunday, January 31 2016 may contact the Florida Chautauqua Association at (850) 892-7613 or email Christopher Mitchell at [email protected] or visit www.FloridaChautauquaAssembly.org for updates and registration information.
