Happy Birthday Hugh Beaumont! The Leave It To Beaver star would have been 112 years old today.
The actor, who played Ward Cleaver on Leave It To Beaver, quickly became a television icon. And although he was best known for his role as the quintessential 1950s father, Hugh had several other roles before making it big on Leave It To Beaver. In honor of his birthday, we’ve compiled a list of Hugh’s most memorable career moments.
Hugh Beaumont’s Best Career Moments
Yes, Ward Cleaver is probably Hugh’s most iconic role. However, he was an actor long before he made an appearance with the Cleaver clan. Many of the roles drastically different than his Leave It to Beaver character.
That Time He Played An Ex-Con On Superman
Four years before he became Ward Cleaver, Hugh Beaumont played an ex-con on “The Big Squeeze” episode of The Adventures of Superman. The episode aired on September 25, 1953.
When Hugh Beaumont Starred in A Ford Training Video
In 1956, Hugh starred in a Ford Trader Thorne Sales training video. Who wouldn’t want to buy a car from the future Ward Cleaver?
When He Played A Preacher On The Lone Ranger
Hugh Beaumont portrayed a poor Midwestern preacher who is robbed at gunpoint on an episode of The Lone Ranger called “The Godless Men.” The episode aired on Jan. 29, 1953. Ironically, Hugh was a preacher before he made it big as an actor.
When He Landed His Role As Ward Cleaver On Leave It To Beaver
We couldn’t have a list of best career moments without including Hugh’s most memorable role as Ward Cleaver on Leave It To Beaver.
In the third season, Hugh started directing episodes in addition to acting in them. He even directed the show’s final episode titled, “Family Scrapbook.” In 2014, TV Guide ranked Hugh’s portrayal of Cleaver at number 28 on its list of the “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time”.