For nearly two decades, the iconic Collie known as Lassie captured the hearts of television audiences. Airing from 1954 until 1973, the show became a staple in many households. As television evolved, Lassie’s presence did too, making the transition from black-and-white broadcasts to color in the 1960s. Alongside Lassie was the young Timmy Martin, a character played by Jon Provost, who joined the show in its fourth season. Timmy and his family became the proud new owners of the famous dog, and their bond became one of the most memorable aspects of the show.
Jon Provost’s Journey into Hollywood
Jon Provost, the actor who portrayed Timmy, recently celebrated his 72nd birthday. In a reflective interview, he shared insights into how he was discovered by Hollywood at just three years old. Provost’s early foray into acting was somewhat serendipitous; his mother, a big fan of actress Jane Wyman, encouraged him to audition for a role in a Wyman film so she could get an autograph. His family was far from the glitz of celebrity life; his father was from Alabama and his mother from Texas, and they had no connections in Hollywood.
Jon’s career took off quickly, landing him a role in a film starring Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby when he was only four years old. “I didn’t have a manager. I received one, which led to other films like The Country Girl, with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly,” he recalled. By the time he began working on Lassie, he had already appeared in a dozen films.
Working with Three Different Lassies
On Lassie, Jon Provost worked with three different dogs who played the titular character. Reflecting on these experiences, Jon expressed that the last dog to portray Lassie held a special place in his heart. “I did the show for seven years, and there were 249 half-hour episodes. I had three different Lassies work with me. I worked with the last dog I worked with for five years on his own,” he explained. The bond they shared was unique, as they spent five days a week together, often on weekends as well. Jon fondly remembers how well-behaved the dog was, joking that it was the actors, not the dog, who were the source of most mistakes.
A Career Beyond Hollywood
After leaving Lassie at 14, Jon Provost avoided the pitfalls that often trap child actors in Hollywood. He went on to work with prominent stars like Natalie Wood and Kurt Russell, but always with the freedom to choose his path. “My parents allowed me pretty much to do whatever I wanted to do. I was not required to work,” Jon shared. His decision to leave Hollywood at a young age was one he stands by, believing it was the right move for him. Today, Jon lives in Northern California, away from the public eye, but he remains fondly remembered by fans of Lassie. In 1994, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Jon’s Personal Life and Family
Jon Provost’s personal life has seen its own milestones. In 1979, he married Sandy Goosens, with whom he had two children, Ryan and Katie. However, after 14 years of marriage, the couple parted ways in December 1993. Jon found love again in 1999 when he married Laurie Jacobson, a well-known researcher and novelist. Despite his quieter life now, Jon’s legacy as Timmy Martin continues, both through fan mail and the enduring popularity of Lassie, which even inspired a radio series of its own. His career and personal experiences reflect a life well-lived, both on and off the screen.
