Jerry Mathers of 'Leave It to Beaver' Mourns Ken Osmond in an Emotional Post

Jerry Mathers of "Leave It to Beaver," is mourning the loss of his co-star, Ken Osmond.

Ken Osmond, who was best known for his role as Eddie Haskell in the "Leave It to Beaver," passed away at 76 on May 18.

Since his death was announced, many of his friends, fans, and colleagues, have paid their tributes to him via social media. One of the stars who paid their tribute was Jerry Mathers, who played the role of The Beaver on the hit television series.

During his time as a police officer, Ken was shot three times by a suspected car thief – an incident that left the 76-year-old severely wounded.

The actor took to Twitter to state that he would miss Ken, who he has known for nearly seven decades. In a separate statement to Fox News, Jerry said that:

"I have always said that he was the best actor on our show because his real-life personality was so opposite of the character he so brilliantly portrayed."

Ken started his acting career at a young age that saw him landing his first speaking role at age 9 in the 1953 film "So Big."

It didn't take long before he began appearing on other Hollywood projects such as "The Walter Winchell File," "Good Morning Miss Dove," Everything but the Truth," "Lassie," "The Loretta Young Show," "Fury," and "Wagon Train."

In 1957, at the age of 14, Ken began his role as the troublesome teenager, Eddie Haskell – an appearance that was supposed to be a one-time thing, according to Fox News.

Ken's talent and portrayal of the character earned him a regular spot – he appeared in almost 100 of the show's 234 episodes.

Deadline added that the late actor reprised that role a few times over the years in some newer versions of the show, including the notable "Still the Beaver," which ran from 1983-89.

Besides being an actor, Ken also made his mark as an LAPD cop who served for 18 years, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

During his time as a police officer, Ken was shot three times by a suspected car thief – an incident that left the 76-year-old severely wounded. Even though he survived the ordeal, the shooting effectively put an end to his days as a cop.

Soon after his death was announced, the LAPD

The Hollywood Reporter that it had sent its deepest condolences to the Osmond family.