Paul Petersen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Paul Petersen
Petersen in 2015
Born	(1945-09-23) September 23, 1945 (age 79)
Occupation	Actor singer writer activist
Years active	1955–present
Spouse(s)	Brenda Benet ​ ​ (m. 1967; div. 1970)​ Hallie Litman ​ ​ (m. 1974; div. 1988)​ Rana Jo Platz ​ ​ (m. 1992)​
Children	3
Relatives	Patty Petersen (sister)

Paul Petersen (born September 23, 1945) is an American actor, singer, writer, and activist. He became famous in the 1950s for playing Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show. Petersen also had a singing career in the 1960s. Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, he appeared in the TV show Matt Houston and the movie Mommy's Day.

In 1990, Petersen started an organization called A Minor Consideration. This group helps child stars and young workers. They work to create better laws, educate families, and offer support to those who need it.

Paul Petersen's Career

Acting Journey

Petersen with Sally Field in The Flying Nun, 1968

Paul Petersen started acting when he was 10 years old. He was a Mouseketeer on the Mickey Mouse Club. In 1958, he was in the movie Houseboat with Sophia Loren and Cary Grant.

He became a big star playing teenager Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show. This family TV show was on ABC from 1958 to 1966. It ran for eight seasons and was shown many times afterward. The show became a big part of American culture. In 1997, Petersen received a special award for his role on the series.

After The Donna Reed Show ended, Petersen continued acting. He had a small part in the 1967 musical film The Happiest Millionaire. He also appeared as a guest on many TV shows. These included a military officer role in the 1967 Western series Custer. He also appeared on F Troop in 1966.

Singing Success

Because he was so famous from The Donna Reed Show, Paul Petersen got offers to record music. He had several hit songs. These included "She Can't Find Her Keys," "Amy," and "Lollipops and Roses."

In 1962, he sang the popular song "My Dad" on The Donna Reed Show. He sang it to his TV father, played by Carl Betz. When "My Dad" was released as a single, it became a big hit. It reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Petersen also recorded music for Motown/Tamla in the 1960s. He released songs like "Chained" and "A Little Bit For Sandy."

Becoming an Author

After his time as a child actor, Petersen went to college. He later became a writer and wrote 16 adventure novels. He met a publisher from New York City, which led to his writing career.

His first novel was about car racing. Then, he created a hero character named Eric Saveman, also known as "The Smuggler." One year, a publisher released eight of his Smuggler novels. In 1977, Petersen wrote his own story. It was called Walt, Mickey and Me: Confessions of the First Ex-Mouseketeer.

Helping Child Stars

Petersen with The Donna Reed Show co-stars (L–R) Donna Reed, Carl Betz, and Shelley Fabares, 1958

Paul Petersen is a board member of the Donna Reed Foundation. He helps with the Donna Reed Festival, which happens every year in Denison, Iowa. This festival honors actress Donna Reed.

He also served on the board of directors for SAG-AFTRA. This is a large union for media performers in Los Angeles. Petersen is well-known for starting A Minor Consideration. This group helps young people who work in entertainment. They work to protect child actors and ensure they have support.

Paul Petersen's Personal Life

Paul Petersen has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress Brenda Benet. They were married in 1967 and divorced in 1970. In 1974, he married Hallie Litman. They had two children together before divorcing in 1988. In December 1992, Petersen married Rana Jo Platz. Besides his two children from his second marriage, he also has a daughter from an earlier relationship.

Filmography