RIP Jon Shepodd

Lassie’ Star Jon Shepodd Dies at 92

Actor Appeared in Season Four of the Family Drama

PI

August 17, 2017

By Marc Berman

Jon Shepodd, the first actor to play the role of Paul Martin on CBS family drama “Lassie,” has died, according to a posting on Facebook by “Lassie” star Jon Provost. He was 92.

Born as Hugh Goodwin on Dec. 19, 1925, Jon Shepodd made his debut on “Lassie” in season four opposite Cloris Leachman as his wife Ruth. When the ratings decreased, a result of Leachman’s performance according to many, both Leachman and Shepodd exited the series in March 1958 and were replaced by June Lockhart and Hugh Reilly. The two stayed with “Lassie” opposite young Jon Provost until 1964.

Shepodd, additionally, appeared in films “Attack” (1956), “The Garment Jungle” (1957), “The Power of Resurrection” (1958) and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”

SHEPODD, Jon (Hugh Goodwin)

Born: 12/19/1925, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.A.

Died: 8/16/2017, London, England, U.S.A.

Jon Shepodd’s westerns – actor:

Mississippi Gambler - 1953

Gunsmoke (TV) – 1955 (Mitch)

Dragoon Wells Massacre – 1957 (Tom)

Indian American (TV) – 1955 (Jim Cavendish)

Oregon Passage – 1957 (Lt. Baird Dobly)

The Return of Jack Slade – 1957 (Johnny Turner)