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 on September 23, 1945, is an American actor, singer, writer, and activist. He is known for his work in television and music, and for helping other child stars.

He became famous in the 1950s for playing Jeff Stone on the TV show The Donna Reed Show. In the 1960s, Paul also started a singing career. Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, he appeared on the show Matt Houston and in the movie Mommy's Day.

In 1990, Petersen started an organization called A Minor Consideration. This group helps young actors by offering support, education, and advice.

Paul Petersen's Life and Career

Early Acting Roles

Petersen with Sally Field in The Flying Nun, 1968

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

His biggest role was playing Jeff Stone on the TV show The Donna Reed Show. He played this character from 1958 to 1966. The show was very popular and ran for eight seasons. In 1997, Paul 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 made guest appearances on many TV shows, like Custer and F Troop.

Singing Career

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

In 1962, his song "My Dad" became very popular. He sang this song on The Donna Reed Show to his TV dad. It reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. He also recorded songs for the Motown record label in the 1960s.

Becoming a Writer

After his time as a child actor, Paul Petersen went to college. He later became a writer and wrote 16 adventure novels. His first novel was about car racing.

He created a hero character named Eric Saveman, also known as "The Smuggler". One publisher released eight of his Smuggler novels in just one year. In 1977, Paul also wrote his own story called Walt, Mickey and Me: Confessions of the First Ex-Mouseketeer.

Other Work and Activism

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. This foundation helps with the Donna Reed Festival, which happens every year in Denison, Iowa. He also served on the board of directors for SAG-AFTRA, which is a union for actors and performers.

In 1990, Paul started the organization A Minor Consideration. He created this group after another former child star, Rusty Hamer, passed away. The organization works to make working conditions better for child actors. It also helps them adjust to adult life, whether they continue acting or choose other jobs.

Paul Petersen's Family Life

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

Music Albums

• 1962: Lollipops and Roses
• 1963: Teenage Triangle — This album featured songs by Paul Petersen, Shelley Fabares, and James Darren.
• 1963: My Dad
• 1963: Bye Bye Birdie — This album included songs from the movie, sung by Paul Petersen and others.
• 1964: More Teenage Triangle — A second album with Petersen, Fabares, and Darren.

Film and TV Appearances