Jerry Mathers

Jerry Mathers began his career at the age of two when he appeared as a child model for a department store ad. Soon after, he starred in a commercial for PET Milk opposite vaudeville comedian Ed Wynn. His early movies included "This is My Love," "Men of the Fighting Lady," "The Seven Little Foys," and "The Trouble with Harry."

Mathers is best known for starring as "The Beaver" in the iconic television series "Leave It To Beaver," which ran for six seasons and a total of 234 episodes. He states that he secured the role of Beaver Cleaver after telling the show's producers he would rather be at his Cub Scout meeting than auditioning for the part. The producers found his candidness appealing and perfect for the role. He was the first child actor ever to make a deal to get a percentage of the merchandising revenue from a television show. The "Leave It to Beaver" show still generates merchandise revenue today, many years after its original production run ended. Mathers also directed multiple episodes of "The New Leave It To Beaver," in which he starred, completing 108 episodes.

Beyond television, Mathers made his Broadway debut in the Tony-winning musical "Hairspray" at the Neil Simon Theater, playing Wilbur Turnblad. He also starred in the professional British Panto, "Cinderella," as Baron Hardup, marking the first time this 800-year-old English tradition was performed in the United States. His film credits also include a role in "Better Luck Tomorrow," which won an award at the Sundance Film Festival. In 2009, Mathers became the national spokesperson for PhRMA and their Partnership for Prescription Assistance program. Diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes in the mid-90s, he has since become a leading lecturer on living with and managing diabetes, actively speaking at various events about diabetes management and the state of the American family. He also hosted the American Academy of Neurology Foundation's patient education video and handbook on "Diabetic Nerve Pain: A Guide for Patients and Families."