BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - He's best known for his role as Beaver in the beloved 50s sitcom "Leave it to Beaver." Now, the former child star is taking on a new role that's bringing him through western New York.
He's best known for his role as the mischievous and adorable Beaver Cleaver. 50 years later, Jerry Mathers is all grown up. He's done Broadway, movies and is now a producer, yet his fans still remember him as the Beaver.
Mathers said, "They ask me questions. Everybody has a favorite episode, a lot say 'Hi Beaver, oh I mean Jerry.' I say that's fine. I'm perfectly happy to be called Beaver."
He's in Buffalo with the Partnership for Prescription Assistance or PPA bus tour, raising awareness of chronic diseases and prescription access.
Mathers said, "...so I can use my celebrity to go out and help people."
He was diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago.
Mathers said, "I would be dead right now. Ten years ago, the doctor said maximum I would live probably five years."
"Jerry is amazing attraction for us." PPA spokesman Jeff Gilbert says Jerry's draw has helped many low income and uninsured people learn how to get free or low cost prescriptions.
Gilbert said, "It's basically a ten step application process that takes ten minutes of time."
It can be completed on the bus, by phone or online. and in the end, Jerry Mathers impressed his local fans by playing a bit of an Eddie Haskell, with this...
"Go Bills."
Story by Victoria Hong, WIVB.
