Gerald Patrick “Jerry” Mathers was born on June 2, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up in Los Angeles, California. His father was a high school principal, and Jerry was raised alongside two siblings, Jim Mathers and Susie Mathers, both of whom were also child actors. Jerry attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in Philosophy.
Jerry Mathers began his career in the entertainment industry at the age of two, appearing as a child model in department store advertisements. Shortly thereafter, he was featured in a commercial for PET Milk. His early film work includes appearances in This Is My Love (1954), Men of the Fighting Lady (1954), The Trouble with Harry (1955), and The Seven Little Foys (1955).
Mathers became a household name as Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver in the classic television sitcom Leave It to Beaver, which debuted in 1957. He won the role after auditioning in his Cub Scout uniform, which reportedly impressed the producers with his authenticity and natural childlike demeanor. His warm on-screen relationship with co-stars, especially Barbara Billingsley who played his mother, contributed greatly to the show's success and enduring legacy.
In the late 1960s, Mathers served in the California Air National Guard. Rumors at the time falsely reported that he had been killed in the Vietnam War, but these were later dispelled and clarified as a case of mistaken identity. In the 1970s, he briefly stepped away from acting and worked in banking and real estate. During this time, he also served as a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation, raising awareness about the skin condition.
Jerry Mathers was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1996. Following the diagnosis, he committed to a structured exercise and diet regimen, which enabled him to lose over 40 pounds and significantly improve his health. His journey has inspired others dealing with similar health challenges.
In addition to his acting career, Mathers is also a singer and recorded two singles. He expanded his professional interests into entrepreneurship, running a successful catering business. These efforts have contributed to his financial success and helped him achieve an estimated net worth of $3 million.
Jerry Mathers has been married three times. He first married Diana Platt in 1974, whom he met during college. They later divorced. His second marriage was to Rhonda Gehring, whom he met during the production of the play So Long, Stanley. The couple had three children together — a son and two daughters — before eventually divorcing. In 2011, he married his third wife, Teresa Modnick, on January 30.
Today, Jerry Mathers remains a beloved figure in American television history. Best known for his role in Leave It to Beaver, he continues to be recognized for his contributions to television and his advocacy work in health awareness. Fans can connect with him through his official social media profiles on Twitter and Facebook. His biography and career details are also available on platforms such as Wikipedia and Bijog.com.
| Birth Date: | 2 Jun, 1948 |
| Age: | 71 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Sioux City |
| Education: | University of California, Berkeley |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American actor |
| Net Worth 2021: | 3 million |
