What Happened to This Child Star Who Left Hollywood & Fought for His Life? – His Photos at 76

From his rise to fame to a shocking diagnosis and the heartbreak of losing his wife, this former child star’s life was anything but easy. Here’s what happened to him after stepping out of the spotlight — and what he looks like now at 76.

Once a beloved child actor, this star stepped away from acting when he felt the time was right. But life outside the spotlight brought unexpected challenges, including being told he had three to five years to live and his wife leaving him for another man.

Despite these setbacks, the actor fought to regain control of his life. Take a look at his inspiring journey — how he overcame these trials, found happiness, and how he looks now at 76.

From Hollywood Stardom to a New Life Away from the Spotlight

This young boy gained national fame for his role in the iconic sitcom “Leave It to Beaver,” in which he portrayed the innocent and inquisitive Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver.

The show, which aired from 1957 to 1963, followed the lives of a wholesome suburban family, capturing the ups and downs of childhood and family life in America.

The child star with his “Leave It to Beaver” co-star, circa 1955, just before the show became a defining piece of television history. Their on-screen sibling bond captured audiences, making him one of the most recognized child actors of his generation. | Source: Getty Images

The young actor appeared on the set of “Leave It to Beaver” in 1957, where he portrayed the beloved Beaver Cleaver, winning fans nationwide with his role as the sweet-natured boy whose curiosity and innocence drove the show’s timeless charm. | Source: Getty Images

The “Leave It to Beaver” star with his castmate, circa 1957. His portrayal of Beaver Cleaver became an enduring symbol of childhood innocence, deeply resonating with audiences and cementing his place in TV history. | Source: Getty Images

With his bright-eyed charm, the young actor brought Beaver to life, becoming an endearing figure for millions of viewers who saw parts of their childhood reflected in the character’s innocent mischief and curiosity.

As the series ended, the actor found himself ready to take on a different kind of life. Despite his fame, he was eager to leave behind the tight schedules and heavy demands of a Hollywood set.

“Not that we were tired of it, but it was a lot of work. We had to be at the studio every day at 8 o’clock, work till 5. And on the weekends, a lot of times, we had PR to do… I’m not saying I didn’t like it, but it was just time…I was getting ready to go to high school […]” the young star admitted.

Having spent much of his formative years with a private tutor on set, he wanted a typical school experience, where he could play sports, join teams, and simply be a regular teen.

The end of “Leave It to Beaver” provided just that opportunity, allowing him to step away from the spotlight and enjoy the simpler joys of high school life.

On the set, circa 1961, the young actor posed for a promotional photo for “Leave It to Beaver.” By this time, he had already become a symbol of childhood innocence, capturing the hearts of fans who saw a reflection of their own lives in his character’s adventures. | Source: Getty Images

On the cusp of his teenage years, circa 1961, the young star continued to embody the spirit of Beaver Cleaver. His portrayal brought warmth and relatability to American screens, cementing his role in one of television’s most cherished family sitcoms. | Source: Getty Images

On the set of “Leave It to Beaver” around 1961, the child star embodied Theodore Beaver Cleaver, a role that resonated deeply with audiences for its portrayal of youthful innocence and family values that made the show a staple in households. | Source: Getty Images

In the following years, the former child star made another surprising decision — enlisting in the National Guard. While he was never involved in active combat, his work with a transport unit was rigorous, involving repair work on aircraft returning from assignments.

“It was not a lot of fun because we were doing very, very hard work, but it was something that I [felt] I should do for my country… It was something I was proud to do,” he said.

Though the actor briefly explored a career in real estate, selling homes and guiding clients, he showed little urgency to return to acting. Instead, he found satisfaction in these new, less public roles, navigating a life quite unlike the one he’d known as a young star.

A Health Crisis and Heartbreak Change His Life Forever

Life after Hollywood initially seemed like a dream for the former “Leave It to Beaver” star. He enjoyed the freedom to explore new ventures, including a successful catering business that served television and film crews.

Surrounded by food daily, the actor’s passion for cooking led to indulgent habits. Often sharing meals with colleagues, he found himself eating multiple times a day, caught up in a lifestyle of fine dining and prosperity.

However, his carefree approach to food and health eventually caught up with him. “I was living the good life. […] I was making a lot of money, everything was going great, and everyone around me was at least as fat as I was,” he revealed.

On January 8, 1987, the former Hollywood star attended the Fourth Annual American Cinema Awards in Beverly Hills, California. Decades after “Leave It to Beaver,” he was celebrated as part of TV history, honored for his lasting impact on American entertainment. | Source: Getty Images

On March 17, 1987, the “Leave It to Beaver” star reunited with co-star Tony Dow at the Hollywood Radio & Television Society’s 27th Annual International Broadcasting Awards in Century City, California, celebrating their show’s enduring legacy. | Source: Getty Images

On a public outing circa 1994, the former child star appeared content in his later years, well beyond his “Leave It to Beaver” days. Though he’d left Hollywood, his role as Beaver Cleaver continued to make him an iconic figure in TV history. | Source: Getty Images

In 1997, during a routine checkup, the actor received a devastating diagnosis — he had Type 2 diabetes and would only have three to five years to live if he didn’t make drastic changes.

He also learned that his cholesterol and blood pressure were dangerously high. The news hit him hard, forcing him to confront the serious toll his lifestyle had taken on his health.

With urgency and determination, he committed to turning his life around, eventually losing 55 pounds to manage his condition and extend his life.

Yet, his health struggles were only part of the challenge. Around this time, his marriage to his first wife also began to unravel. He had met her when she was a young, driven 26-year-old public relations worker.

In his book, the actor fondly recalled the undeniable attraction, writing, “This girl may have had a mind for business, but her body was designed for sin.” The couple went on to welcome three children: Noah, who later joined the Navy, and two daughters, Mercedes and Gretchen.

On an evening in 1986, the “Leave It to Beaver” star attended an event in Los Angeles with his then-wife Rhonda Mathers. The couple appeared close, sharing a public moment together during a time when he was focused on family life away from Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images

The actor joined his wife and children for a family outing on November 21, 1990, attending the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ “Coming Out of Their Shells” Rock & Roll Tour in Universal City, California, showing his commitment to creating joyful memories with his kids. | Source: Getty Images

Life was going swell, as the couple even renewed their vows. However, the former “Leave It to Beaver” star revealed, “My years in social and professional exile had already damaged our marriage beyond repair. Rhonda had married me at the start of ‘The New Leave It to Beaver.'”

He added, “Living with a social and professional recluse was not in her original plan. Rhonda wanted out. People think that being married to a celebrity is fun, then they get fed up with the hassles of it. Rhonda had found someone else.'”

A New Beginning

This actor is none of than Jerry Mathers, who ultimately found strength in the face of hardship and transformed his life after receiving his diabetes diagnosis.

Determined to regain his health, Mathers sold his catering business and committed himself to a disciplined lifestyle, combining a strict diet with daily exercise.

Walking six to eight miles each day, he managed to bring his condition under control, reaching a pre-diabetic status. Reflecting on his journey, Mathers described diabetes as a “terrible way to go,” adding, “It’s really a horrible death. It basically burns different parts of your body.”

Jerry Mathers attended the 16th Annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards Gala on December 3, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Decades after his role as Beaver Cleaver, he remains a celebrated figure, honored for his contributions to television history. | Source: Getty Images

Embracing this new chapter, Mathers became an advocate for diabetes awareness, sharing his story and warning others about the risks of the disease. He traveled across the country, giving lectures to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

His speaking engagements marked a dramatic departure from his role as Theodore Beaver Cleaver, but they brought a fresh sense of purpose. Mathers took pride in educating audiences, viewing it as another way to positively impact lives — this time, beyond the screen.

On a personal front, the former child actor’s life flourished as well. After being married twice, he found lasting happiness with Teresa Modnick, whom he married in 2011. According to reports, the couple met through Mathers’ sister and had been together since 2005.

Surrounded by his three children and five grandchildren, he cherished his role as a father and grandfather. “I’m very happy with my life. I’ve got wonderful kids, I’ve got grandchildren, I have a beautiful wife, and we’re very happy,” he shared.

Despite stepping away from Hollywood, the former actor still makes time for fan events and autograph shows, connecting with admirers who fondly remembered his iconic role. Reflecting on his journey, Mathers expressed gratitude for the life he had built, both through his work and with his family.

“I still do autograph shows because those are fun. I get to go all over the country. People still come up to me with questions about the show and what I’m doing…I’m just so grateful…I have just a wonderful life because ‘Leave It to Beaver’ has made me so many friends,” the actor added.

The child star | Source: Getty Images

After overcoming serious health issues and personal losses, Jerry Mathers found new purpose in educating others and embraced a fulfilling family life. Today, the former actor lives with gratitude, proud of both his iconic role and the impact he continues to make.