Jon Shepodd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jon Shepodd
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Shepodd in the Lassie TV series (1957)
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| Born |
Manley Hugh Goodwin, Jr
December 19, 1927 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
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| Died | August 16, 2017 (aged 89) London, England, U.K.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1952–1964 |
Jon Shepodd (born Hugh Goodwin, December 19, 1927 – August 16, 2017) was an American actor. He is best known for being the first actor to play Paul Martin, Timmy's dad, in the popular TV show Lassie.
Before becoming a main character, Jon Shepodd first appeared on Lassie as a guest star. He played a delivery man named Al in an episode called "Lassie's Day" during the third season. People liked his acting, which helped him get the bigger role of Paul Martin in the fourth season. This was when the show changed its focus from the Miller family to the Martin family.
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Acting Career
Playing Paul Martin in Lassie
Jon Shepodd first appeared as Paul Martin in the middle of Lassie's fourth season. This was in an episode called "Transition," which aired on December 1, 1957. In this episode, his character, Paul, and his wife Ruth (played by Cloris Leachman) decide to adopt Timmy. They also take over the farm from the Miller family, who are moving to the city. Lassie then becomes Timmy's dog and stays on the farm.
Both Jon Shepodd and Cloris Leachman acted in the rest of the fourth season, which was 27 episodes. However, Cloris Leachman left the show because she felt her role wasn't challenging enough. After she left, the producers decided to let Jon Shepodd go too. They thought it would be hard to explain to the audience, mostly children, why Paul suddenly had a new wife. After this, the characters Paul and Ruth Martin were played by different actors, Hugh Reilly and June Lockhart.
Shepodd's Film Roles
Jon Shepodd also acted in several movies. In the 1956 film Attack, he played a character named Cpl. John Jackson. He also appeared in other films like The Power of the Resurrection (1958), What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), and The Garment Jungle (1957).
Later Life and Death
Jon Shepodd passed away in August 2017 in London, England. He was 89 years old.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1953 | The Mississippi Gambler | Bit Part | Uncredited |
| 1955 | The Return of Jack Slade | Johnny Turner | |
| 1956 | Attack | Cpl. John Jackson - Fox Co. (communications) | |
| 1956 | The Garment Jungle | Alfredi | Uncredited |
| 1957 | Dragoon Wells Massacre | Tom | |
| 1957 | Oregon Passage | Lt. Baird Dolby | |
| 1958 | The Power of the Resurrection | Jesus Christ | |
| 1960 | I'll Give My Life | Bob Conners | |
| 1962 | What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? | Police Officer #5 |
