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.
5 Things Men Do When They Have Strong Romantic Feelings for You
Feel like you’re having trouble deciphering mixed signals? Don’t worry! A man’s actions frequently speak louder than words when he is genuinely attracted to you but lacks the confidence to admit. Even if he seems cool, there are five surefire signs that he is utterly enamored with you:
1. He Gives You a Lot of Stares
Has it ever seemed like you’re being watched closely? That’s because he’s always glancing in your direction! A man’s eyes follow you around the room with an almost tangible intensity when he is feeling romantically inclined. If you manage to catch him in the act, he might give you a charming smile to indicate that he’s been thinking about you!
2. He Wants to Be Near You All the Time
Like a magnet to steel, he will look for any opportunity to get close to you. He wants your company more than water in a desert, whether it’s by “happenstance” showing up at your favorite coffee shop or sitting next to you at social events. He may show up at worship sites, participate in your activities, or just hang around with you. Your presence makes the world seem a little brighter to him.
3. He Displays His Weak Side to You
Hold on, did he just reveal his worst fears and earliest recollections? A man who shows his weaknesses to you is showing you that he trusts you beyond everyone else. Since he views you as his confidante and soul mate, he won’t be afraid to be himself. Therefore, he’s clearly into you if he’s opening up to you during those late-night chats.
4. He Constantly Texts, Calls, and Chats with You
You can seem to get straight to his heart through his phone. No matter how busy he is, he will find time for constant talks, calls, and texts. He wants to be the last person you think of, whether it’s through late-night texts that make you blush or early morning messages that brighten your day. Who is the first person he tells if anything extraordinary occurs in his life? Yes, you are correct!
5. He Attempts to Laugh at You
Have you ever encountered someone who is constantly trying to make you laugh? That’s who he is! When a man is in love with you, he will do anything to make you smile. His aim is your happiness, whether it’s by bringing you to comedy shows or posting amusing memes. He’s riding the happiness wave right beside you, that’s why.
That’s it, dear! These seemingly inconsequential little acts of affection are actually treasure troves of love. He’s clearly into you if he’s showing any of these symptoms. Don’t only hold out for him to declare his love for you. Acts can occasionally speak louder than words. And his loving gaze, considerate actions, and ceaseless messaging are shouting it from the rooftops, honey!
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