As a character, Wally Cleaver made such a cultural impression that the actor who played him could not escape the role. He was typecast. As a result, they asked him to play only extraordinarily naïve and wholesome young lads.
As an actor, Tony was frustrated. It was difficult, he told “Connecticut Magazine.” In 2018, he said, “People really wanted you because you were Wally, or they don’t want you because you were Wally.”
Jerry Mathers Wanted to Go to High School Like Regular Kids
In 1963, Wally and the Beave were growing out of their roles. The precocious baby brother was turning into a teenager, and Wally was becoming an adult. It was a natural ending for the family-centric show.
Like any kid, he wanted to play sports in high school, so he quit acting in order to attend Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks.
What Happened to Lumpy and Eddie?
Two of the show's most memorable characters were Lumpy and Eddie. Lumpy Rutherford is the typical big bully played by Frank Bank. Eddie Haskell, the kid who charmed adults but was actually a conniver, was portrayed by Ken Osmond. In the final seasons, neither characters were around so much.
Both Frank and Eddie decided to try a more heroic career. They served as U.S. Army reserve officers. Osmond was able to work a deal with the Army. He got leave to tape some episodes in exchange for making appearances for the Army’s Special Services.
Dow Took a Dig at the Typecast
In 1977, Tony had his chance to air his ire. Appearing in the film "Kentucky Fried Movie," Dow parodied Wally with a wicked skit. In a courthouse scene, Wally and the Beave are engaged in one of their typical brother-to-brother banters.
But as full-grown men, it’s a hilarious caricature of the golly-gee, happy-go-lucky Cleaver boys.
Before Ward Cleaver, Hugh Beaumont Played No-Nonsense Cop Roles
Beaumont was known for playing the lead in crime dramas, but he truly appreciated playing Ward Cleaver.
As an ordained minister, he said characters like private detective Michael Shayne, who he starred in several movies, were not fitting for a priest. He’d rather be remembered for Ward, and he was.