For almost twenty years, many of us remember watching the adventures of TV’s most famous dog – Lassie.
This beloved Rough Collie and her human friends were on our screens for 17 seasons, from 1954 to 1973. The show even switched from black and white to color in the 1960s.
But one of the most unforgettable parts of the show was when 7-year-old Timmy Martin joined in the fourth season. Timmy and his family adopted Lassie, creating some of the most memorable moments in the series.
Jon Provost, who played Timmy on *Lassie*, just celebrated his 74th birthday. He looks back fondly on his time filming with his four-legged co-star and remembers how Hollywood discovered him at only 3 years old.
The actor, born in Los Angeles, recalls that when he was 3, his mom took him to an audition for a Jane Wyman movie. She was a huge fan and just wanted her autograph. But out of 200 kids, Jon got the part.
Acting wasn’t something that ran in the family. Jon’s father had a completely different job—he was an aeronautical engineer.
“My parents weren’t Hollywood people,” Jon said. “My father is from Alabama, and my mother is from Texas.”
At age 4, Jon Provost landed a role in a movie with Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby.
“I didn’t have an agent at the time. After that, I got one, and it led to more movies like *The Country Girl* with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. I did about 12 movies before I started *Lassie*,” he told Fox News.
Jon also shared memories of working with the three different male dogs who played the role of Lassie. He said he formed a special bond with the last dog who portrayed the famous female collie.
“I did the show for seven years, filming 249 half-hour episodes. I worked with three different Lassies,” Jon Provost told Fox News.
He shared that the last dog he worked with was by his side for five years straight. “We grew up together. For five years, we saw each other five days a week, and sometimes even on weekends.”
Jon also revealed how well-behaved the dog was on set. “The actors made more mistakes than the dog,” he laughed. “They were more of a problem than Lassie.”
After leaving *Lassie* at 14 years old, Jon Provost went on to star with big names like Natalie Wood and Kurt Russell. Despite growing up in Hollywood, he avoided the common pitfalls many child actors face.
“My parents let me pretty much do what I wanted to do. I didn’t have to take a job,” Jon said.
Looking back, he added, “When I left Hollywood, I thought it was good that I did.”
Today, Jon lives away from the spotlight in Northern California but still receives fan mail from his time on *Lassie*. In 1994, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The character Lassie became so famous that she even had her own radio series.
In 1979, Jon married Sandy Goosens, and they had two children, Ryan and Katie. However, after 14 years of marriage, they divorced in December 1993.
In 1999, Jon found love again when he married Laurie Jacobson, a well-known researcher and author.
I’ve always been a big fan of the adventures this sweet duo went on. And with a moral in every episode, it was the perfect show for kids.
Please share this with all the *Lassie* fans you know.
(VIDEO) Willie Nelson’s Son Performs ‘Always on My Mind’ and Wow… He Really Takes After His Dad
Lukas Nelson, the son of country legend Willie Nelson, is a member of the rock and roll band Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, currently touring the country. Recently, they performed at an intimate local venue for a small audience.
During the performance, Lukas engaged with fans, taking requests for songs to sing. When one patron asked for his father’s hit song “Always on My Mind,” Lukas rose to the challenge.
As the music began, Lukas’s voice immediately evoked his father’s, captivating the audience with its country charm. The backup band provided solid support, but it was Lukas who truly stole the show.
A soulful trumpet solo added depth to the performance, elevating the mood of the venue.
When Lukas reached the part of the song where his father famously whistles, the crowd erupted into applause, visibly delighted by the homage.
Released over thirty-five years ago, “Always on My Mind” remains a beloved classic among country music fans. Lukas’s rendition showcased his inherited musical talent, proving that he is poised to shine in his own right, free from the shadow of his father’s legacy.
If you are a fan of this video and of Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson, and his band “Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real”, then share it with your friends so they can experience the next generation Nelson performing a hit made famous by his father. Like what you heard? Scroll down join the discussion at the bottom of the page
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