Hugh Beaumont was an American actor who is best known for his role as Ward Cleaver in the television series “Leave It to Beaver,” as well as appearances in films such as “The Blue Dahlia” and “Night Passage.”
Personal and Family Life
Hugh Beaumont was born Eugene Hugh Beaumont on February 16, 1909, in Lawrence, Kansas. He married Kathryn Adams on April 13, 1941, and they had three children: Hunter, Mark, and Kristy. Beaumont originally trained to be a minister but eventually chose a career in acting, though he continued to be involved in church activities throughout his life. In the late 1960s, he retired from acting and became a Christmas tree farmer in Minnesota.
Career Highlights
Beaumont began his acting career in 1931, performing on stage and the radio. He gained significant recognition for his role as Ward Cleaver on “Leave It to Beaver,” which aired from 1957 to 1963. He also worked as a director and was involved in community theater. Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke in 1972, Beaumont managed to recover and continued to engage with the performing arts.
Death and Legacy
Hugh Beaumont passed away on May 14, 1982, in Munich, Germany, from a heart attack while visiting his son Hunter, who was a psychology professor. His legacy lives on through his iconic role in “Leave It to Beaver” and his contributions to both film and television. He is remembered as a talented actor and devoted family man.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Night Without Sleep | 1952-09-26 | John Harkness |
| The Seventh Victim | 1943-08-21 | Gregory Ward |
| Money Madness | 1948-04-15 | Steve Clark |
| Night Passage | 1957-07-24 | Jeff Kurth |
| Apology for Murder | 1945-09-27 | Kenny Blake |
| Leave It to Beaver | 1957-10-04 | Ward Cleaver |
| Petticoat Junction | 1963-09-24 | Ronnie Beckman |
| Adventures of Superman | 1952-09-19 | Various |
| The Virginian | 1962-09-19 | Several roles |
| Mannix | 1967-09-16 | Frank Abbott |