Hugh Beaumont - Man of Hope and Humility

[@davidkreider942]

Thank you Dave for bringing us “ the good stuff.” Ward Cleaver was the dad we all wished we had. My dad was an awesome father and he would watch these shows with my brother and I. A few times I’d see a tear from my fathers eyes when Ward was explaining to Beaver the importance of doing the right things in life. We so desperately need another Ward Cleaver. Thank you so much.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're most welcome, David. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@1533ramsay]

Amen!

[@fscap811]

David Kreider...Ward Cleaver meant even more to those of us who didn't have "awesome" fathers.

[@bigdawgbrownsnation6895]

Favorite Tv Dad

[@Pat4HUMANITY]

He indeed was the father we all wish we had---not only because he was so perfect but because he was also believable.

[@robinsmith2884]

Today's world is so horribly upsetting, I regularly watch LITB (and other retro's) to ground myself in sanity. It's like medicine to me.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. That show and The Andy Griffith Show are the perfect antidotes for this crazy world that we live in!

[@scottmiller6495]

​@@jdsundstromThird would be Dick Van Patten in Eight is Enough!!!!!

[@patrickhaag]

Me too. Most of the stuff, the Beaver and Wally we’re doing on this TV show I did for Real in the 70s. Last generation to experience those things.

[@rebeccacervantes8420]

Amen! Every day my Mom, 24 year old son, and I get out Leave It To Beaver fix. My son never heard of the show before. It’s truly quality programming to see!

[@bearlyal]

When I was in my early teens, Hugh Beaumont came to my town (Toledo, OH) and acted as a lay minister at my Trilby Methodist Church. He was staying with our regular minister home........around the corner from where my family lived. My dad was an usher at the church that Sunday and got to meet Mr. Beaumont and when church let out Mr. Beaumont walked home with us. What a thrill it was to chat with Ward Clever..........such a nice, gentle person..........I've never forgotten that Sunday and that was many many years ago..........I just turned 70 and that was one of the highlights of my youth.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing your memories with us, Gary!

[@williepowers3142]

(I am 77)And still love the show.We will never see the new generation come close to a sitcom like this one.(RIP)

[@TC-vg3pr]

If kids these days had a father like Ward Cleaver, this country would be in a better place today. Thanks Dave for your awesome blog.

[@jdsundstrom]

Couldn't agree more! And...your most welcome. 🙂

[@sambaritone]

People call these old shows about a stable, harmonious family life “corny”, but isn’t this home life what we’d all really love to have?

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. Give me "corny" every single day of the week!

[@richardbrown6565]

My life as a kid was pretty much like that. Not so much my parents though. My dad was the old fashioned kind. considered raising children was 'womens work'.

[@helenfong3339]

Yes!!

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Its not okd,The Show is a Classic

[@1533ramsay]

Yes, why is a secure family life frowned upon. I don't understand how we side towards violence, perversion, and craziness over what was?🤔

[@tzzlite]

You'll never see a great show like Leave it to Beaver again & Hugh was a big part of it.

[@marcmenton8063]

At 61 I am still watching beaver and still learn from Ward/Hugh. This is one actor I would have liked to have dinner with

[@Junior_Rocky]

I wish that we had more men like this today.

[@cathleanjohnson675]

A great TV Dad who loved his wife and kids and made sure they had everything they needed, not nearly enough of those around these days, sadly..

[@jenniferdrozd2835]

2022...My son finaly received the father figure he always wanted from watching these shows at 43 years old. He watched every episode and I believe it has changed him for the better. Finally, a good example of a decent man.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*WE TOTALLY AGREE WITH HUGH BEAUMONT BEING THE NUMBER ONE DAD, AND HIS LIFE IN REAL LIFE REFLECTED THE KIND OF LOVING MAN HUSBAND AND FATHER HE REALLY WAS!*

[@lindacollins4336]

Thank you for your wonderful tribute to Hugh Beaumont. No one else could have played Ward Cleaver with as much dignity as Hugh Beaumont did.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're most welcome, LInda! And...I totally agree!

[@toneman335]

When I watch "Leave it to Beaver" today I appreciate the show, its characters, and its messages more than ever.

[@1533ramsay]

Today is a message less society...

[@packingten]

@@1533ramsay Todays society ruined by liberal teachers&professors!.

[@hapgood22]

@@packingten Yeah, we need the John Birch Society back.

[@johndickson9542]

@@hapgood22 The John Birch Society never disappeared. It's still around.

[@JohnHolton]

Oh, for the days when TV dads weren't treated like fools... Hugh Beaumont, like Andy Griffith, Carl Betz, Fred MacMurray, and Robert Young, played a father who was raising his sons to be gentlemen. There was never a doubt that Ward Cleaver loved his family, nor that he'd drop everything to be there if they needed him. He could be tough on the boys, but you never had the sense that he didn't love them more than anything else on earth. There was a good deal of Hugh Beaumont in Ward Cleaver, and we were all better for it. Well-done story!

[@artbernstein7499]

The "intelligent dad" movement was in reaction to the early TV dads who were all goofy morons, the prime example being Stu Erwin. There were a bunch of other "idiot dads" but I can't think of any (if that tells you anything).

[@leonardszubinski6972]

You can add Chuck Connors to that list portraying Lucas McCain! He was a very close 2nd to Hugh Beaumont portraying Ward Cleaver!

[@rosezingleman5007]

My own father referred to that as the “dad is dumb tv,” and it was banned in our house.

[@brianarbenz7206]

Robert Young? Are you serious? I see I'm surrounded by nostalgists on this thread. Believe what you want to, but the real Robert Young was a complete con, as were his characters. Hugh Beaumont had great personal character; I admire him. And I like the Leave it Beaver Show very much, but please don't mistake it for some kind of reflection of reality.

[@caraqueno]

@@artbernstein7499 William Bendix, as Chester A. Riley, in "The Life of Riley", the quintessential sitcom bumbling dad.

[@rawbacon]

The Dad we all wanted and the Dad we all want to be.

[@jdsundstrom]

Very true, Raw Bacon!

[@Relic67]

Hear hear.

[@maureencora1]

Yeah.

[@dennisrainwater8187]

ABSOLUTELY!!

[@dondressel4802]

I had a dad just like him I was very lucky

[@nickimontie]

I never knew most of this about him. RIP to a wonderful human being.

[@rwnordmark]

Hugh Beaumont was the father that I never had. I still watch reruns of Leave it to Beaver. I watch Beaver to be the little boy that I never got to be. And I watch Ward to be with the father that I never had.

[@jimp3878]

You have said it better than I could have. I know exactly what you mean.

[@smujer1]

I hear you.

[@ChapmanFilms]

Because of Mr Beaumont is one reason I try to be the man I am today

[@jdsundstrom]

Hugh had a positive influence on so many people. 🙂

[@shawnmcdowell5477]

I agree with you about Hugh. He is the number one TV father in my book.

[@maureencora1]

Mine Too.

[@kennethbesselman5739]

Did TV Guide place DICK van Patton above him

[@maureencora1]

Hugh Beaumont was More Real Life.

[@tomformicola8096]

Shawn McDowell AMEN , NUMBER 1

[@mariocisneros911]

Me too. I never thought of his character until after I lost my papa. Than his character connected me to him .He wasn't a fake in that his character lost his temper like a real father, unlike all of the fake interpretations by others . Thank you Mr. Beaumont where ever you are.

[@sandrasanders706]

High Beaumont was such a peaceful person on screen..and you could see it...in my top 10 of fav tv dads..

[@oleysiaogren1192]

HUGH. 😀😀😀😀

[@jefffoster3557]

Curious if the father in The Wonder Years makes your top 10? I also like Chuck Conners in The Rifleman.

[@turbosdolphin]

Mr Beaumont's strong faith certainly shines bright through his role as Ward Cleaver. Inspirational! 🙏😊

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, turbosdolphin!

[@turbosdolphin]

@@jdsundstrom I really enjoy all your vids. Takes me back to "the good 'ole days and brings back so many happy memories! A very special and magical time. We had so much fun being kids! And your presentation is respectful, and captures the essence of that time gone by! 👏👏

[@menssuccessbible3806]

I hope my faith shines through for my new son.

[@heygetoffmylawn1572]

@@menssuccessbible3806...I was told many years ago...The best way to love your children is to love their mother first. It's been 22 years and I always live that wisdom everyday...amen?

[@menssuccessbible3806]

@@heygetoffmylawn1572 That's very true and having a child with my wife took my love and respect for her to a new level.

[@joeancona2784]

My late father had a lot of Hugh's characteristics, I try to hold back tears, and ,the one episode that stands out, is when Aunt Martha makes Beaver go to school wearing a silly hat ,short 👖. And , After the 1st day of Beaver being laughed at ,the next morning Ward is in the garage and,he gives Beaver his regular clothes, and lets him change before going to school.I could only think of my Dad, because, I know he would have done the same thing for me!!! That is the one episode, I will never, ever forget!!!

[@Mv4yi]

That is also one of my favorite episodes. And right before Ward sends Beaver off to school from the garage, he says something about he, himself, needing an umbrella that day, so that Beaver handed over the one he dreaded having to bring along. Ward had such a tactful way in that last part instead of saying anything offensive about Aunt Martha, but still giving Beaver a way to leave the umbrella behind. What a guy!

[@kennethwilliams7731]

Mr Beaumont! A true gentleman and a fine actor. God bless his family.

[@harlow743]

Beaumont was the best TV father....he was very human and balanced in his portrayal

[@davidellis5141]

The quintessential late 50's early 60's Dad. Not a bad thing to be known as ! Firm but fair father.

[@Leadeshipcoach]

Very, very very nice! I had no idea Mr Beaumont was a Christian and minister. As a Christian and minister myself that is really nice to know😊And it explains to me why he embodied the role of Ward Cleaver so well. I think he was just playing himself. Thanks Dave... great video as always😊👍

[@daviddoyle543]

He also spent his later years owning a Christmas Tree farm. I'd so like to do that too.

[@bethanydee1920]

He also played Jerry Mathers' father in a promo video before Leave it to Beaver and after moving to LA to try to set up a church in a rough part of town and then having to take on some acting roles to help pay bills. Jerry Mathers reports he'd prayed for "that nice man" who'd played his dad in the video to get the part of Ward Cleaver after Jerry's mom had seen Hugh in a store at a time when Hugh was having a rough financial time and suggested that we he audition for the part of the Leave it to Beaver father.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth

[@jenniferhansen3622]

@@bethanydee1920 That's so interesting! Thank you for sharing that.

[@poolboyinla]

I am a new dad and Ward Cleaver is now my role model and he was my father's role model before mine. My upbringing was actually a lot like what you saw on the show.

[@jdsundstrom]

Like you, Travis, I grew up in a "Beaver-esque" type of home. It wasn't perfect. But...it was a safe place. A bit of a haven, if you will. My wife and I have tried to do the same with our kids...although don't always get it right. I've watched a few of your recent videos, it's clear to me that you are going to be a great dad. 🙂

[@shawnmalone9711]

Ward Cleaver was my role model on raising my son. I have used reason and understanding to make my son see the errors of his ways. My son is a teen now and he's trying to talk back to me. I think of Ward Cleaver and keep my cool.

[@mikecubes1642]

your wife wont like a strict dad like ward was

[@mikecubes1642]

@Summer Rose feminists dont like Wards type. my grandpa was very much like Ward and his hippy daughters almost hated him

[@mikecubes1642]

@Summer Rose right and thats when STD's started running rampant and the divorce rate shot up to 75% or higher, look how nice the hippies made things

[@mariannacalabrese6919]

One of my all time favorite shows still watching 67 years old grew up watching this show , Father knows best and leave it to beaver were my favorites. Quality and morals and family unit are no longer on T.V lots of garbage and you wonder why our youth are doing what is wrong no family values.

[@tonycanabal1659]

I liked the episode that had Ward offered Beaver casual clothes for school after a prissy visiting aunt wanted Beaver to wear a fanncy suit. Ward was so understanding.

[@raymondkizer1216]

Another thumbs up as he was the quintessential father. He represented an era when a father would not have to shout at his children, he could just give them that look and they knew they had done wrong and were about to be punished.

[@godfreymccammon4531]

The Cleaver's were the best tv family in my book, and Hugh Beaumont was one fine human being...period!

[@wildbill5670]

I'm in my 60's and I watch this show just about every week day before work on MeTv. Its too bad we don't have programs like this on television anymore.

[@tammys7802]

Absolutely loved Hugh Beaumont's portrayal of Ward Cleaver. It is wonderful to know he was actually quite like him in real life. I had read his bio online so knew much of his story, but it was great to see the photos with his own children. He was a man who loved God and wanted to live with integrity, and I greatly admire him as well as the character he portrayed.

[@yolandajohnson8685]

He gave Beaver and Wally such good advice. I liked the way that he handled their PEER pressure problems

[@perry8322]

Rest in peace Mr. Cleaver leave it to beaver has my number one TV show growing up nothing will ever beat it I miss all you guys

[@markw208]

If only there was a show like this on TV now . . . . .

[@Rometiklan]

Huge fan of LITB. Always loved that no matter how much trouble Beaver got himself into, Ward was always there for him with fatherly advice. I never knew about Mr. Beaumont's faith, and his history. Becoming a minister or an actor seems like worlds apart, but for all of us fans, I think Mr. Beaumont made the right choice. Thanks for posting, Dave!

[@susanr3933]

Wow Dave, didnt know anything about his personal life, however, when you looked in his eyes, you saw a good soul, even when he was being stern!! I loved his quote, "I'm not a good man, but I try to be one!" That's all God expects of us! Thank you and God bless you for great memories of "THE GOOD STUFF"!!!

[@partain2000]

It's VERY refreshing to hear about a man that was and is a true inspiration not only in his role as a TV dad but as a real dad that cared about how he lived his life that impacted people positively instead of negatively. God bless Hugh Beaumont.

[@ERASEREPLACEPLACE]

I remember my heart catching in my throat upon seeing Ward Cleaver's gravestone in the reunion movie "Still the Beaver". It was an almost eerie scene with June, Wally, Beaver and their wives leaving the grave on a rainy day that was filmed in the muted gray tone that reflected the somber situation.

[@jdsundstrom]

Yep. Sad and heartbreaking moment. You just knew that, while in character, these actors were really mourning the passing of Hugh.

[@ritadaniels3175]

Dave Sundstrom I really didn’t get to see those reunions & new LITB... I’m learning to appreciate original shows bcoz of METV in the past two years... I have practically EVERY EPISODE of Andy Griffith on DVD. I saw the complete collection of LITB online for resale but they sold before I was able to purchase them!?

[@joebondo2422]

Hugh Beaumont one of the all time great TV Dads but you’re right, what a role model off camera. My favorite TV Dads were Ward Cleaver & Howard Cunningham. Both wise, firm but fair.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said, Joe!

[@Brenkert60]

Ward Cleaver was absolutely the best TV dad of all time. He was respected because he deserved it. He could be stern but he could also identify with his kids, like when Aunt Martha bought Beaver a Little Lord Fauntleroy suit when she was helping out in the house while June was away. Ward hid in the garage with Beaver's regular clothes and let him change there as not to hurt Aunt Martha's feelings because she loved Beaver as much as he did, but he knew that Beaver would really get "the business" if he went to school dressed like that. Even the parents of Wally and Beaver's friends would come to Ward for advice, especially Mrs. Mondello who always had a hard time with Larry when Mr. Mondello was away on business. On the made for TV movie "Still The Beaver", they showed Ward's headstone at the cemetery. I cried when I saw it. Hugh Beaumont's portrayal of Ward Cleaver won him a place in my heart and it hurt when he was gone.

[@richardfernandez7466]

Ward Cleaver was a good dad and help other families strive to be good there show was a good example just love Leave It to Beaver

[@gdobie1west988]

I watched Leave It To Beaver growing up, Hugh Beaumont came across as very genuine and I would rank him up near the top as one of the all-time best dads on tv. RIP "Ward"

[@IloveJasonMomoa]

My dad was just like Ward cleaver 😢.. my dad was fair, disciplined In a non harsh way and was always there to listen and make sure you felt better about any situation that came up. I miss my dad so much and watching Ward cleaver is like seeing my dad again 😢

[@funzjag]

Thanks for another positive video about a good man. As a Christian man , I always enjoy hearing about people of my faith that try to walk the path of our Savior. He certainly gave me a positive vibe whenever he was on screen. R.I.P. Hugh Beaumont 💐🙏💐

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, funzjag!

[@janicetracy1295]

Yes your right I try to live my life like back then. I love Jesus and hope to be with him. Born in 48, and just waiting for him to get us all out of here. God bless Tom Tracy

[@funzjag]

@@janicetracy1295 I'm the next generation. My folks were born in '47 ,so anything that was over my head culturally in "Leave it to Beaver " , I just went to mom and dad. Sometimes they were watching it with me anyhow. Like when Wally had the "Jellyroll " hair style. Dad told me that's not what people really called it. He said people called that hair style "a pompadour with a ducks' ass!" At least that's what it was called in the greater Pittsburgh area! Blessings to you my Sibling in Christ. Right now might not be the easiest time to be a Christian but it's always the right time to be a Christian!!!🙏

[@1533ramsay]

He would not be employed today in Hollywood... He probably rolling in his grave!🙄

[@funzjag]

@@1533ramsay No he would not. He probably wouldn't want to be in the hellywood of today. Very negative and evil place.

[@lindaanderson9690]

I think this show should come back ! Your right he was the best Dad !🙏🦋🙏

[@tootiebuettner9966]

Loved Ward Cleaver,He was Number one, was one of the best shows for families to watch together,

[@pattiryan209]

Hugh Beaumont was a great father, & a kind gentle man. Very much like his Ward Cleaver character. Occasionly, he would visit his sister's family. They lived around the block from us, & his niece was my sister's best friend. My sistet spent a lot of time over there, & was fortunate enough to meet, Mr. Beaumont, & his two sons, Hunter & Mark, on several occasions. She always spoke very highly of him, & the great relationship he had with his boys

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks so much for sharing, Patti!

[@jackiegildemeyer8931]

We're still able to watch "Leave It to Beaver" reruns on a Me TV network here in Colorado Springs. We record them and that is the first set of programs we turn on.....my husband and I love it and it is the greatest American family show that was ever made! Thanks so much for this You Tube presentation. VERY enjoyable and nostalgic!

[@skywatcherca]

Who ever chose, selected Mr. Beaumont for this role, they deserve a Nobel prize. It was a perfect selection - Mr. Beaumont WAS the perfect father. Perfect. So many great human beings, who are not here with us.

[@notmyworld44]

I'm trying to watch all these "Beaver" reminiscenses, and as a Believer myself, this one has touched me very deeply. I am in my mid-70s, and this beautiful, innocent, clean TV show is a treasured memory.

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video, Wayne. Of the hundreds of videos that I have done, this one is one of my favorites as well.

[@jlrva3864]

Hugh Beaumont's Ward Cleaver was always my favorite TV dad. He set a high standard for the rest of us fathers.

[@juliaester4424]

I watch Leave it to Beaver every morning @7am and keep my dvr set in case I miss it. Never get tired of it 😍😘

[@justafanofnerdculture7602]

Hugh Beaumont was awesome! Still enjoy watching him portray Ward Cleaver to this day. Thank you and continue to fly easy, Mr. Beaumont, Sir. 🙏

[@ericwoodward6149]

Thank you for doing Hugh Beaumont.

[@jdsundstrom]

You're very welcome, Eric!

[@irenepena4170]

Thank You

[@carolinej3661]

NO. Ward Cleaver as portrayed by Hugh Beaumont was THE best TV father ever!!! I watch the olde shows every chance I get!!!

[@dorotheawalker7985]

Hugh is number 1 in my book he showed me and let me see and know having abusive parents was not normal.

[@mikeh.7499]

me too Dorothea,me too....take care....

[@janethartwig774]

Between Leave It To Beaver and The Rifleman I knew my father was a violent despot and definitely NOT normal. My sisters and I all chose Ward Cleavers to marry, breaking the cycle.

[@thenov1944]

# 3 ) Ozzie Nelson ! ! !

[@SuperSusieBell]

What a impressive man. Loved how he allowed the boys to answer for their own mistakes while having the gentle advice alway ready at hand. He and Andy Taylor in my opinion the best tv dad’s ever.

[@jdsundstrom]

Well said, Susan!

[@minivegana6516]

HUGH BEAUMONT WAS SO HANDSOME!!😍❤LEAVE IT TO BEAVER IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE TV SHOW AND WILL ALWAYS BE!!!👍❤🙏🕊

[@yadiraperdomo6982]

Thank you so much David for such an amazing story . HB was the father that all wished we had . I never had a father in my life but I always wanted a father just like him . Thank you so much for sharing and may God bless his soul . He will always be missed and remembered . Thank you David 🤗💝🙏🗽🇱🇷🐕🐾💝🙏🗽🇱🇷🤗🐕🐾

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks Yadira!

[@millcityflexxx4770]

Leave it to beaver would’ve never been as good with someone else playing ward .. #fact

[@brenthaymon280]

Another actor played Beaver's father in the original pilot episode.

[@millcityflexxx4770]

Brent Haymon yea I seen that pilot he lasted just for that pilot then Hugh stepped in

[@Brenkert60]

It was Max Showalter, aka Casey Adams who played Ward on the LITB pilot.

[@charlesclark9627]

In the pilot someone else did! Someone else also played Wally ! June and Beaver were the same. Pilot is on KZbin!

[@harveyabel1354]

@@brenthaymon280 Yeah and ugh - he was a smoker!

[@anneglines47]

I still watch it almost every day.

[@VickieShepherd]

Thank you for this information! I knew about the mother in law being killed in the accident. I heard it was right after the network decided to pickup the show & he had to start filming right away. I’m not surprised by his education, a lot like Fred Rogers. They used their faith every day to bring God to others whether they knew it or not.

[@caskm5]

Coming from a divorced family at the age of five hugh was the father figure I never had. Thank God for giving us Hugh and allowing us to grow up with a true role model. I will never forget him.

[@dontsurroundurselfwithurself]

I admire him for getting his life back after his loss. I recently lost my mom. And like Hugh I'm also confident that we will have a glorious afterlife, but that doesn't help me get over my loss in this life. Thank you, Dave, for your wonderful videos. You have a gift in bringing your viewers back to their younger days. I promise, I can even smell my mom's cooking from when I was a boy when I watch your videos. I'm a recent subscriber, but I very much look forward to watching your videos. I wish you and everyone reading this peace, joy and good health to you and yours.

[@jdsundstrom]

Thanks for subscribing! I am glad you are enjoying my videos, Sal.

[@shedwilliams1305]

I couldn't agree more Dave. This man was the best. I can see him being just as you described. I like how he always tried to be involved in the boys lives in his role of Father. I'm still watching today, M-F 8AM Me-TV

[@jamiehorne2389]

Yes the best on screen dad in my all time opinion. Mr. Beaumont and Tom Bosley were two men that could bring tears to my eyes by their loving father and son concern. My father was killed by a drunk driver when I was under 2 years old. Television like this always taught me how much I missed out on in my own life. GOD BLESS such wonderful men!

[@davidjenson1570]

Ward Cleaver is one of the top reasons I love the show so much. I used to find myself wishing I could have had a dad like that growing up. Hugh Beaumont played him excellently, too. And, I'm glad that they didn't continue with the the guy they had playing him in the pilot episode, because I've seen that guy in a few Perry Mason episodes, and I just don't think he would have been so good as Ward Cleaver. I read that Hugh had a Christmas tree lot after he left the show. Well, nice video and tribute to a great tv character!

[@NotData]

Hugh was so good in his role that I got cowered in fear when he scolded the Beaver just as if he was scolding me. It was also weird seeing him in earlier dramatic roles on westerns or playing gangsters on crime shows. He appeared on an episode of The Adventures of Superman as an ex-con trying to reform.

[@Paladin1873]

I grew up watching these shows and Hugh Beaumont was my favorite family sitcom dad. He was what every dad should aspire to be.

[@jdsundstrom]

Totally agree, Colonel K!

[@rickdaystar477]

I recall seeing him in some movies from the 50's and he was a great big screen actor!

[@jahrules8674]

He was my hero as a kid the way he taught and lectured his sons better than my own father. They don't make TV dads like this.

[@SiccDeville]

i watch this show everyday in the morning on METv. I happened to watch an old episode of Adventures of Superman and guess who was on there... Hugh Beaumont. He played a bad guy. this Man has range.

[@irenepena4170]

Me too😁

[@monkeyshake3508]

one great thing about Ward was how even though, sometimes, he would get trapped in his own head about what to do he always found a way to learn a new path by eventually listening to his kids. character through the roof.

[@josephacri3908]

Hugh Beaumont was standup act of his own.His passions for GOD were reflected in HIS character on the show.Hugh Beaumont gave me a great example of the kind of person I should want to pursue to be in my life.Iam so grateful to GOD for the time I grew up in my life and that I had the opportunity for Hugh Beaumont to be a part of that in helping me shape my thinking as a youngster when I watched him on leave it to beaver,forever grateful 😊❤️

[@paulfitzgerald2673]

Thank you, He was an inspiration and a guidepost to aspire to in life. Hugh Beaumont a great man.

[@jdsundstrom]

Couldn't agree more, Paul. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@marydahm6851]

What a great story about a man who had his life in true perspective. He was a real inspiration. It made my day. Thanks for posting!

[@elderhardaway5674]

Hugh Beaumont: A "Great Example" Of A "Great Father" Role Model.** His Portrayal Of Ward Cleaver Stands Out Tremendously!!!!!** I Believe That His Role As A Great Father Figure, Should Be In The "Top Ten" Listings!!!!!** I Always Admired Him As "Wally" And The "Beaver's" Father.** His Role Played, And Had A "Special" Impact In My Life!!!!!**

[@davestephen8679]

Elder Hardaway number 1 man and actor. the res no other

[@elderhardaway5674]

Dave Stephen: I Strongly Agree With You, Sir!!!!!**

[@thenov1944]

Another Roll Model " Father Knows Best " TV show ! !

[@anongoingseries13]

Great piece! Leave to Beaver along with Hugh Beaumont and the entire cast including writers, directors etc were simply wonderful. So fantastic that millions felt it was real. That is the ultimate compliment to actors. And what great role models the family portrayed. I am 70 and still absolutely love watching the reruns. That is because the quality was that of perfection. Thanks!

[@irenepena4170]

Yes, He was a Fabulous Man. He's the reason I always watch Leave It to Beaver

[@laurastafford6217]

I just loved him. Wish I had earthly father like him. But I do have a heavenly Father who is even better. ❤❤

[@hudsonhowardmusic8362]

I was an avid fan of the Leave it to Beaver show in my youth. And I still watch it on TV Land, all the time. My father and Mr. Beaumont were true heroes to me. You (Mr. Beaumont), were a true inspiration to all of us, regardless of race or ethnicity

[@carolinen5396]

Ward Clever was the ultimate father in a tv series, so kind and a decent man, such a role model, I loved the show, still watch the reruns.

[@jdsundstrom]

Totally agree, Caroline!

[@kurts5717]

A true role model. I watch the show most mornings 7-8 am and it puts me in a great mood to be the best person i can be. An incredibly well acted show too. Every episode sucks me in. Wish i had grown up in that era instead of late 70s and 80s. My kids are now grown and i wish i had been more like Ward. Kids growing up today should watch this show, but probably wont. Sad, but true.

[@Mv4yi]

That's also what just occurred to me. LITB was, and still is, like an antidote for many a problem, but those who need it most these days will not likely be those who watch it.

[@psw4763]

My favorite dad on T.V. for sure. In fact the whole family was beautiful. I miss the great shows

[@jdsundstrom]

Yah. Me too, Phyllis!

[@lacoriveria7164]

I did notice the difference in his acting after the accident. I can see the sadness in his eyes.He was Great.I still admire him since I watch The show Everyday.That's the way I start my day.That's the greatest show .Thank You ME TV.Thank you for Gunsmoke too.

[@1asdfasdfasdf]

America's youth needs Ward right now.

[@greanstreak04]

A tv role worthy of inspiration, that of an honest, loving and caring father. Show me one example of this today.

[@jdsundstrom]

Examples like Mr. Beaumont are truly hard to find!

[@denniselber9195]

Hugh should be the eminent paradigm for our fathers of today. What an incredible role model. An intact family, where the father works, comes home every night, sits down with the family for dinner and doesn’t cheat on his wife. What a concept!

[@jdsundstrom]

He was truly a great man...both on and off screen.

[@waynevia6976]

One of my favorite actors. I seen him on petticoat junction, mannix, i think bonanza, the virginian and other shows too. He was a great man.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I always enjoyed the episodes with Hugh and Richard Deacon. (Lumpy's Father?). Ward was righteous and Lumpy's Dad was the antagonist.

[@Themaddprof]

That's what made it work. Fred Rutherford was the polar opposite of Ward Cleaver. Ward was a wise, sensible, and humble man. Fred Rutherford was...none of those things.

[@rickcrawford4981]

I enjoyed those shows too " with Lumpy and his father )very funny !

[@ajdc88]

your channel is exactly the sort that makes KZbin amazing

[@jdsundstrom]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm glad you are enjoying my videos.

[@jimmyc2895]

Agreed

[@1533ramsay]

We need more like it. Great job!👊👊👊

[@HjCrawford]

Absolutely!!!!

[@9dellen]

Thank you for this tremendous tribute. I absolutely love Leave it to Beaver -- and Ward's performance is especially healing for me. His sensitive ways, his humor, his strong moral compass, and his wise words, are a wonderful gift to the viewer. So great to know that Ward and Hugh are two of the same!! Thanks again, Dave and I agree, Ward is the number one dad of television, but of course he would not be concerned about rankings -- Ward is above all that with an ego that is well in check!

[@jdsundstrom]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video, Donna. Thanks for commenting!

[@cgab12]

Hugh was an extraordinary actor, so natural- he made it look easy.

[@ke6nber]

Another great video, Mr. Sundstrom. Thank you. I was 9 when he died and it hit me hard. I remember that I would cry whenever an episode aired. It became so hard for me to watch that I stopped watching LITB until I was 15. Ward Cleaver is, for me, 2nd only to Robert Young's Jim Anderson on Father Knows Best as the best TV dad there ever was. Keep up the good work!

[@rmoore1686]

Kevin Berry I agree with you. Robert Young and Hugh Beaumont really were the best.

[@chrislj2890]

This is a lovely tribute to an honorable man, and it's a crying shame our country doesn't have these kind of examples to guide us anymore. Growing up in the '50s gave me and others of my generation something to strive for in life, even if our real families and lives were nothing close to these ideal situations. Thanks so much for these heart warming videos.

[@vilstef6988]

Hope and humility are two great qualities. They give you focus, insight and empathy-things many people are low on or substantially lack.

[@jdsundstrom]

Totally agree, Gene. Simply put, there aren't many folks out there like Hugh anymore.

[@Mv4yi]

Yes, humility was definitely one of Ward's most important traits.

[@bitterclinger5876]

Hard to believe he was almost 50 when LITB premiered in 1957. Fine man and superb actor. I always had a sense that, with his integrity and strength of character, the movie studios never learned quite what to do with him. Between the noir films and his TV years, HB did a lot of public service and industrial films -- just recently saw one on YT, a sales training film for Ford dealers, c. 1949. He was the super salesman that showed the other guys the ropes, of course!