Jerry Mathers Lost 55 Pounds in Health Battle — Now Proud Grandpa of 5 Flaunts His Large Family

• Jerry Mathers, the star of the classic sitcom "Leave It to Beaver," has gone through a remarkable journey of health and happiness.
• He lost 55 pounds after being diagnosed with diabetes and reversed his condition.
• He is now a proud grandfather of five and a loving husband who enjoys his family, his hobbies, and his fans.

Jerry Mathers is best known for playing the mischievous Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver in the iconic 1950s sitcom "Leave It to Beaver." The show was a huge hit and featured acclaimed actors such as Tony Dow. The show often revolved around the boys' adventures, dilemmas, and life lessons, all narrated through the lens of childhood innocence.

The show, which aired from 1957 to 1963, depicted the misadventures of the Cleaver family and became a cultural touchstone for generations. Despite its relatively short original run, "Leave It to Beaver" left an indelible mark on television history. Its impact is evident in the numerous revivals, spin-offs, and references in popular culture.

The show's success was not just confined to the U.S.; it garnered international acclaim, reaching audiences in several markets where it is shown in 45 different languages. The Beaver, as he was affectionately called, was born on June 2, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, and started acting at a tender age.

His role on "Leave It to Beaver" catapulted him to stardom. Mathers, as the adorable and mischievous Beaver, captured the hearts of viewers with his innocent charm. His older brother, Wally, played by Dow, served as the responsible and reliable foil to Beaver's escapades. But after six seasons, Mathers took a hiatus from acting to focus on his education.

The actor was just a teenager, and he was relieved to get away from the cameras and do what other children his age were doing. Now in his 70s, the former child star talked to Fox News, explaining why he was happy to take a break from Hollywood. He said, "I wanted to play sports and of course, working at the studio, that wasn't something I was able to do."

Having had a private tutor throughout his time on the show, attending a regular school was a refreshing change, and it gave him an opportunity to join the track and football teams. It proved to be an enjoyable experience, and Mathers forged many meaningful friendships.

He acknowledged that despite the close bond that had been formed among the cast and crew, they were all ready to embrace change. Mathers confessed that being on the show required substantial effort. He explained that they adhered to a daily routine, commencing at 8 o'clock at the studio and concluding at 5.

Weekends were not exempt, as there were often PR commitments to fulfill. Mathers emphasized that he did enjoy the experience, but it simply felt like the opportune moment for a change. He was on the brink of entering high school, and his co-star Dow was preparing for college.

He shared, "That was something we really couldn't do if we were still on the show." He eventually returned to the entertainment scene and appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as "The Trouble with Harry," "The Love Boat," and "Still the Beaver."

In 1997, during his annual checkup, Mathers received startling news from his doctors, who diagnosed him with type 2 diabetes. He was overweight and had high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. They informed him that he had only three to five years to live if he didn't change his lifestyle.

The actor shared with Fox News that he was living the good life. He had side businesses, and one of them involved catering, providing services for motion picture and television crews—serving approximately 100-200 people, essentially setting up an entire restaurant. He found himself constantly surrounded by food, given his proficiency as a cook.

Recounting those days, he mentioned, "I was around food all the time, and I was a very good cook. Of course, that entailed sitting down with people, so I was sometimes eating five to six full meals a day. I was making a lot of money, everything was going great, and everyone around me was at least as fat as I was."

The revelation came as a shock to the actor, prompting him to reevaluate and take decisive steps to manage his health. The first thing he did was sell his catering business, and he started eating healthier, exercising regularly, and taking medication. He also became a spokesperson for diabetes awareness and prevention.

Mathers managed to lose 55 pounds and reverse his diabetes. He said that his health transformation was not easy, but it was worth it. Mathers is now a proud grandfather of five adorable grandchildren. He has three children from his previous marriage: Noah, Gretchen, and Mercedes.

He highlights the joy he experiences with his wonderful wife, especially during their times spent babysitting the grandchildren. Engaging in autograph shows remains a source of enjoyment for him, allowing him to travel across the country. His fans still approach him with inquiries about the show and his current endeavors.

Grateful for the friendships forged through "Leave It to Beaver," he expresses deep appreciation for the wonderful life he leads. He says, "It was something that I liked doing, but I also liked being able to have my own life." Mathers says that he loves being a grandpa and spending time with his grandkids.

He reveals that he enjoys teaching them about life and sharing his stories and experiences. He also likes to spoil them and make them laugh. Mathers often flaunts his large and happy family on his social media accounts. He posts pictures and videos of his grandkids and his wife. He also shares updates on his projects and hobbies that showcase his love for cooking and gardening.

Mathers is a living legend who has entertained and inspired millions of people with his roles. He has also shown remarkable courage and resilience in overcoming his health issues and reversing his diabetes.

He is now enjoying his life as a grandfather of five and a loving husband. He is still active and involved in the entertainment industry and his hobbies. He has been a role model for many generations and a testament to the power of positivity and perseverance.