‘Lassie’ Star Jon Shepodd Dies at 92

Jon Shepodd, the first actor to play the role of Paul Martin on CBS family drama “Lassie,” has died, according to a posting on Facebook by “Lassie” star Jon Provost. He was 92.

Born as Hugh Goodwin on Dec. 19, 1925, Jon Shepodd made his debut on “Lassie” in season four opposite Cloris Leachman as his wife Ruth. When the ratings decreased, a result of Leachman’s performance according to many, both Leachman and Shepodd exited the series in March 1958 and were replaced by June Lockhart and Hugh Reilly. The two stayed with “Lassie” opposite young Jon Provost until 1964.

Shepodd, additionally, appeared in films “Attack” (1956), “The Garment Jungle” (1957), “The Power of Resurrection” (1958) and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”

For a look at Jon Shepodd on “Lassie,” click on the following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnLPumL85w4