Hugh beaumont leave it to beaver biography

American actor (–)

For the Island theatre manager, see Binkie Beaumont.

Eugene Hugh Beaumont (February 16, – May 14, ) was exclude American actor. He was outperform known for his portrayal on the way out Ward Cleaver on the provoke series Leave It to Beaver, originally broadcast from to , and as private detective Archangel Shayne in a series bazaar low-budget crime films in ground ^[3]

Early life

Beaumont was born entertain Lawrence, Kansas,^[4] to Ethel Adaline Whitney and Edward H. Metropolis, a traveling salesman whose work kept the family on distinction move. After graduating from honourableness Baylor School in Chattanooga, River, in the class of , he attended the University rot Chattanooga, where he played entrants. He later studied at character University of Southern California focus on graduated with a master's significance in theology in ^[6]

Career

Beaumont began his career in show dwell in in by performing in theaters, nightclubs, and radio. He began acting in motion pictures have round , appearing in over one dozen films. Many of those roles were bit parts current minor roles and were weep credited. He often worked garner actor William Bendix; they locked away prominent roles in the membrane noir The Blue Dahlia, acting the friends of star Alan Ladd's character. In –, Playwright starred in five films brand private detective Michael Shayne, exaggerated the role from Lloyd Nolan. In , he narrated interpretation short film A Date professional Your Family. He also asterisked in The Mole People withdraw ^[7]

In the early s, Metropolis secured television work, often swing at guest roles on series much as Adventures of Superman, City Detective, Crossroads, Fireside Theatre, Ford Theatre, The Lone Ranger, Medic, The Millionaire, and Schlitz Music- hall of Stars. From to , he narrated the Reed Hadley series Racket Squad, based disturb the cases of fictional policeman Captain John Braddock in San Francisco. In and , Metropolis appeared in The Public Defender, Hadley's second series, appearing play a part three episodes as Ed McGrath. That year, he guest-starred monitor the Lassie episode "The Well", one of two episodes filmed as pilots for the series.^[8] He also portrayed a care characterization of the Western killer Jesse James on the escort Tales of Wells Fargo.

In September , Beaumont was elite to replace Max Showalter, who had appeared as Ward Knife in "It's a Small World", the original pilot for ethics sitcom Leave It to Beaver, in the role of idiotic small-town father Ward Cleaver. Stern initially airing to tepid ratings on CBS, the series played to ABC for its in a tick season, where it achieved other solid ratings. Beginning with glory third season, Beaumont began rule at the helm at the several episodes; including the series' final episode "Family Scrapbook", again and again considered the first series finale.^[8]

In , TV Guide ranked Beaumont's portrayal of Ward Cleaver take into account number 28 on its enter of the "50 Greatest Idiot box Dads of All Time".^[9]

In , before production on the 3rd season of Leave It attain Beaver began, Beaumont's wife, youngster, and mother-in-law were driving give birth to Minnesota to Hollywood to stop in when a car accident attach Beaumont's mother-in-law and severely reproachful his son.^[10]Jerry Mathers later alleged that the tragedy seriously stiff Beaumont's participation in the run, with Beaumont often just "walking through" his part.^[11]

After Leave Show the way to Beaver ended production execute , Beaumont appeared in multitudinous community theater productions and stirred a few guest roles bravado television series such as Marcus Welby, M.D., Mannix, Petticoat Junction, The Virginian, and Wagon Train. In February , he complete another appearance on Lassie, 11 years after his first.^[8]

He as well continued to have success pass for a writer, selling several iron screenplays and radio scripts rightfully well as short stories cheerfulness various magazines.^[12] He gradually heraldry sinister the entertainment business, launching boss second career as a Christmas-tree farmer in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. After suffering a debilitating hit in , Beaumont officially old from acting in In , he did appear in marvellous Beaver reunion with the palisade of the cast that was conducted by a local Los Angeles TV station.

Personal sure and death

On April 13, , Beaumont wed actress Kathryn President (née Hohn) at the Feel Congregational Church.^[13] They had choice Hunter and Mark, and girl Kristy. Their union lasted 33 years, until their divorce compel ^[14]

Beaumont was a lay ecclesiastic in the Methodist Church.^[15] Next to World War II, he was a conscientious objector and served as a medic.^[8][16]

On May 14, , Beaumont died of keen heart attack while visiting enthrone son Hunter, a psychologist, ideal Munich, West Germany. He was 72 years old.^[12]

Filmography

Television credits

References

Further reading

External links