Jerry Mathers is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on the classic television series Leave It to Beaver, which aired from 1957 to 1963. Born on June 2, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, Mathers began his acting career at a young age and became a beloved figure in American television.
As of now, Jerry Mathers’ net worth is estimated to be around $3 million (Approximately £2.34 million). His wealth primarily stems from his acting career, particularly Leave It to Beaver, supplemented by merchandising revenue, real estate investments, and endorsements. Mathers’ pioneering merchandising deal provided a percentage of revenue from Leave It to Beaver-related products, such as T-shirts and DVDs, which significantly boosted his earnings. Residuals from syndication, though limited, also contributed.
Mathers diversified his income through real estate development and a stint as a commercial loan officer. In 1985, he purchased a home in Santa Clarita, California, for $163,000, which appreciated to approximately $1 million, showcasing his investment acumen. He also owned a catering company in the 1990s, further diversifying his portfolio. Public appearances, conventions, and endorsements, including for health-related brands, have added to his income. His memoir, And Jerry Mathers as The Beaver, published in 1998, provided another revenue stream.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Gerald Patrick Mathers on June 2, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, Jerry Mathers grew up in the San Fernando Valley, California, the son of a high school principal. His acting career began at the remarkably young age of two, when he appeared as a child model in a department store advertisement. This early exposure led to a commercial for PET Milk alongside vaudevillian Ed Wynn, marking his entry into the entertainment industry. Mathers’ natural charm quickly caught the attention of casting directors, leading to uncredited roles in films like Son of Paleface (1952) and later, more significant parts in This Is My Love (1954), The Seven Little Foys (1955), and Alfred Hitchcock’s The Trouble with Harry (1955), where he played a boy who discovers a dead body.
Breakthrough with Leave It to Beaver
Mathers’ career-defining moment came in 1957 when he was cast as Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver in the iconic sitcom Leave It to Beaver, which aired from 1957 to 1963. At just nine years old, Mathers landed the role after candidly telling producers he’d rather attend a Cub Scout meeting than audition, a response that endeared him to them for its authenticity. The show, depicting the wholesome adventures of the Cleaver family, became a cultural touchstone, airing for six seasons and 234 episodes. Mathers’ portrayal of the mischievous yet lovable Beaver made him a household name, and he became the first child actor to secure a percentage of the show’s merchandising revenue a groundbreaking deal at the time. The series’ syndication in over 80 countries and 40 languages ensured residual income, though royalties from the original run ceased after each episode aired six times. His starting salary was $500 per episode, a significant sum for a child actor in the late 1950s.
Career After Leave It to Beaver
After the show ended in 1963, Mathers took a hiatus from acting to focus on education, attending Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, where he led a band called Beaver and the Trappers. He also served in the California Air National Guard from 1966 to 1969, reaching the rank of sergeant, though rumors of his death in the Vietnam War were debunked. Mathers graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1973, funding his education with earnings from Leave It to Beaver.
Returning to entertainment in 1978, Mathers starred alongside Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver) in the play Boeing, Boeing and later toured in So Long, Stanley. In 1983, he reprised his role in the reunion TV movie Still the Beaver, which led to The New Leave It to Beaver series (1984–1989). He also made guest appearances on shows like The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, and Diagnosis: Murder, and debuted on Broadway in 2007 as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray. Beyond acting, Mathers worked as a disc jockey at KEZY radio in Anaheim and became a spokesperson for Jenny Craig and PhRMA after managing his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 1996 by losing over 40 pounds.
Jerry Mathers Salary
Jerry Mathers, best known for his role as Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on Leave It to Beaver, earned varying salaries throughout the show’s run. In the early seasons, he reportedly made between $500 and $1,000 per episode. As the series gained popularity, his earnings increased, with estimates suggesting he earned up to $2,500 per episode by the final season.
Jerry Mathers Personal Life
Mathers has been married three times. His first marriage was to Diana Platt in 1974; they divorced in 1982. He then married Rhonda Gehring in 1981, with whom he has three children: Noah, Mercedes, and Gretchen. They divorced in 1997. In 2011, he married Teresa Modnick, an actress known for roles in The Party and History’s Mysteries. The couple has been together since, with Mathers often sharing moments with their five grandchildren on social media.
Jerry Mathers Lifestyle and Assets
Mathers leads a relatively modest lifestyle compared to many Hollywood stars, reflecting his grounded upbringing. He resides in Iowa, maintaining a low-profile life focused on health and philanthropy. His real estate holdings, including the Santa Clarita property, are a significant asset. Mathers has been married three times: to Diana Platt (1974–1981), Rhonda Gehring (1977–1997), with whom he has three children (Noah, Mercedes, and Gretchen), and Teresa Modnick since 2011. His commitment to health, spurred by his diabetes diagnosis, led to significant lifestyle changes, including weight loss and advocacy for diabetes awareness through organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He also supports veterans’ organizations and children’s hospitals.
Mathers’ philanthropy extends to public speaking on health and wellness, leveraging his fame to promote positive causes. His enduring connection to Leave It to Beaver keeps him active at fan conventions, where he engages with audiences nostalgic for the show’s wholesome legacy. Despite health challenges, including gastric bypass surgery in 1997 to address weight issues, Mathers maintains an active and fulfilling life at 77.
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FAQs
What is Jerry Mathers’ net worth in 2025?
Jerry Mathers’ net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, derived from his acting career, real estate investments, endorsements, and merchandising revenue from Leave It to Beaver.
What is Jerry Mathers best known for?
He is best known for playing Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver in the TV sitcom Leave It to Beaver (1957–1963), a role that made him a cultural icon.
Did Jerry Mathers serve in the military?
Yes, Mathers served in the California Air National Guard from 1966 to 1969, reaching the rank of sergeant. A false rumor in 1969 claimed he died in Vietnam.
What did Jerry Mathers do after Leave It to Beaver?
Mathers pursued education, served in the National Guard, worked as a commercial loan officer, and later returned to acting with roles in The New Leave It to Beaver, Broadway’s Hairspray, and various TV appearances. He also ventured into real estate and public speaking.
How has Jerry Mathers managed his health?
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1996, Mathers lost over 40 pounds through the Jenny Craig program and became a spokesperson for diabetes awareness. In 1997, he underwent gastric bypass surgery, shedding over 140 pounds.
Is Jerry Mathers still active in the entertainment industry?
While his last acting role was in 2015, Mathers remains active through public speaking, fan conventions, and appearances celebrating Leave It to Beaver’s legacy.
Social Media Handle
Instagram: @thejerrymathers
