Jon Shepodd
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Jon Shepodd (born in Birmingham, Alabama, December 19, 1925) is an American actor.
He was the first actor to play the role of Paul Martin opposite Cloris Leachman, who played Ruth Martin in "Transition", their debut episode (1957) in Lassie. They played the roles of Timmy's foster parents for a whole season (27 episodes).
In 1957, Lassie was revamped, after one of the cast, "Gramps," died in real life. The existing child actor, who was "aging" at fifteen, was replaced by Jon Provost.[1] One night he prays, ""Excuse me, God, I forgot something. God bless my new mother and father too," which introduced Leachman and Shepodd as his foster parents. [2] When Leachman, who didn’t fit in, was replaced by June Lockhart, Shepodd had to leave, as the producers were fearful of the implications of him suddenly appearing with a new wife. Leachman said, "They had to find reasons for us to be morons so the dog could outsmart us."[3]
In film, he is known for playing Cpl. John Jackson in Attack (1956),[4] Jesus Christ in The Power of the Resurrection (1958) and for his appearance in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). In addition he played the role of Alredi in The Garment Jungle (1957).[5]
In the World War 2 film, Attack! (1956) Shepodd plays the part of Corporal Jackson, the orderly to the unpopular Captain Cooney (Eddie Albert). During an opening sequence, Jackson irritates the other men in the unit who are queuing up for coffee, when he jumps the queue.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ What is it girl? Timmy wrote a book? The Denver Post, 03/21/2008
- ^ Lassie stays home Time magazine, 9/12/1957
- ^ What is it girl? Timmy wrote a book? The Denver Post, 03/21/2008
- ^ Jon Shepodd filmography, The New York Times.
- ^ Jon Shepodd filmography, The New York Times.
- ^ Body and Soul: The Cinematic Vision of Robert Aldrich by Tony Williams
