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Jon Shepodd
Jon Shepodd
Date of Birth
Jon Shepodd was an actor best known as the first to play the role of Paul Martin on the popular television series Lassie.
Although he was only on the show for a single season, Shepodd is remembered for his performance as the patriarch of the family that owned the heroic collie for which the program was named. His wife, Ruth, was played by Cloris Leachman; their son, Timmy, was played by Jon Provost. When Leachman left Lassie after one season, the producers chose to replace both her and Shepodd. In ensuing seasons, the Martins were played by June Lockhart and Hugh Reilly.
Jon Shepodd was an actor best known as the first to play the role of Paul Martin on the popular television series Lassie.
Although he was only on the show for a single season, Shepodd is remembered for his performance as the patriarch of the family that owned the heroic collie for which the program was named. His wife, Ruth, was played by Cloris Leachman; their son, Timmy, was played by Jon Provost. When Leachman left Lassie after one season, the producers chose to replace both her and Shepodd. In ensuing seasons, the Martins were played by June Lockhart and Hugh Reilly.
Shepodd's television credits prior to Lassie included My Little Margie, Gunsmoke and The Millionaire. After leaving Lassie, he was seen in episodes of Men Into Space and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.
His films included Attack, The Garment Jungle, The Power of Resurrection, I'll Give My Life and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Shepodd died on August 16, 2017, in London, England. He was 89.
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