For nearly two decades most of us can remember tuning in to see the latest adventures of the most famous dog on TV – Lassie.
This much-loved Rough Collie dog and her human companions graced our screens for 17 seasons from 1954 to 1973 and even made the transition from black and white to color in the ’60s.
But who could forget the adorable little boy who joined the show in its fourth season when he and his family adopted Lassie – 7-year-old Timmy Martin.
Now Jon Provost, who played Timmy, has celebrated his 74th birthday and shares the joy he had filming with his four-legged friend and how he was discovered by Hollywood at just 3 years old.
The Los Angeles-born actor said when he was 3 years old he was taken to an audition for a Jane Wyman movie because his mom was a huge fan and hoped to get her autograph. But, out of the 200 kids auditioning for the part, Jon got it.
It was far from evident that Jon would become an actor. His father worked with something completely different – he was an aeronautical engineer.
”My parents weren’t Hollywood people. My father is from Alabama and my mother is from Texas,” Jon said.
At age 4, he landed a role in a Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby movie.
“I didn’t have an agent. I got one and that led to more movies like The Country Girl with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. I did about 12 movies before I started ‘Lassie’”, he told Fox News.
Three different Lassies
Recalling the bonds he formed with the three different male dogs that played the part of the female Lassie, Jon said he developed the biggest bond with the last dog to play Lassie.
“I did the show for seven years, 249 half-hour episodes. I worked with three different Lassies. The last dog I worked with, I worked with him for five years alone,” he told Fox News.
“We grew up together. For five years, we saw each other five days a week and sometimes on weekends.
Revealing how well behaved the dog was he added: “The actors made more mistakes than the dog. They were more of a problem,” he laughed.
After leaving the show at 14 years old he starred alongside the likes of Natalie Wood and Kurt Russell and never fell into the Hollywood child actor trap saying: “My parents let me pretty much do what I wanted to do. I didn’t have to take a job.
“When I left Hollywood, I thought it was good that I did.”
Today Jon lives out of the limelight in Northern California but still gets fan mail from his time in “Lassie”. In 1994, the actor received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Meanwhile, Lassie, the canine character, became so popular that she even had a “Lassie” riveting radio series.
Jon Provost wife
In 1979, Jon Provost tied the knot with Sandy Goosens. Together, they had two children, Ryan and Katie.
After being married for 14 years, the two divorced on December 20, 1993.
In 1999, Jon Provost found love again when he married Laurie Jacobson, a well-known researcher, and author.
I was such a fan of the adventures this sweet duo got up to. And with a moral to every episode, it was the perfect show for kids.
Please share with all the “Lassie” fans you know.
Unfaithful Husband Doesn’t Expect an Ordinary Box of Pizza Would Expose Him
An sudden return by Adrian’s wife completely altered the course of events, which had been supposed to be a hot evening between Adrian and his mistress. An innocent pizza box was the source of the true surprise, which was the revelation that Adrian had been unfaithful, which ultimately changed the trajectory of his life.
Adrian watched Claire prepare for yet another business trip as she stood outside their flat, surrounded by the lights of the city centre.
“More trips?” Alan let out a sigh.
Claire remarked, “It’s part of the job,” as she zipped up her suitcase.
What’s the matter, though? Adrian pleaded with him, “Your fashion emporium is in need of you.”
“I vow that it won’t be too much longer. Also, I’ll miss you a lot.
After she had checked in at the airport, Claire had the intention of informing Adrian about her pregnancy; however, she was interrupted by an urgent call from work, which prevented her from doing so.
When Adrian got back to his house, he mumbled, “Finally, she’s gone!” and got in touch with his girlfriend.
Roses are what I’ll deliver. “I am certain that you adore them!” she assured him.
“Come soon; I can’t wait!” The excited response came from Adrian.
Together, they experienced a romantic moment just as Vanessa arrived. Although she was spraying Claire’s perfume, she mocked her by saying, “You love my kisses and her perfume, don’t you?” They were in the middle of their moment when the doorbell rang.
When Adrian was looking for a pizza delivery, he ended up finding Claire instead. “Hey, honey!”
“Ms. Claire, you’ve returned? I was under the impression that you were in Hong Kong,” Adrian said.
“My flight was cancelled,” I said. It’s going to be three more days before I leave!
In an effort to divert Claire’s attention, Adrian hurriedly followed Claire while simultaneously concealing Vanessa’s underwear.
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