Jon Provost
Jon Provost
Actor, humanitarian
2008 marks Jon Provost's 50th anniversary in the role of Timmy from the Lassie tv series. He is celebrating with the release of his autobiography, Timmy's in the Well and a multi-city tour. The legacy continues.
During his career as a child actor and teen heart throb, he worked with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood: Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby in The Country Girl, William Holden in Toward the Unknown, Natalie Wood and Robert Redford in This Property is Condemned, Rod Steiger and Anita Ekberg in Back From Eternity, Clint Eastwood in Escapade in Japan, Kurt Russell in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and on television with Kim Novak, Jack Benny, James Garner and everyone's favorite talking horse, Mr. Ed.
Known as a humanitarian and expert on the benefits of using animals for companionship and psychological health, Jon has started writing a new column, Your Canine Connection, for Fido Friendly, a great national travel and lifestyle doggie magazine. Jon says, "I make my bow (wow) in the July/August issue.'
And in addition to being a sought-after celebrity guest on TV and radio, Jon makes regular appearances at fund-raisers, autograph shows, pet expos, kennel clubs and other entertainment-industry events throughout the year. His fans are legion.
His altruism stretches to children's hospitals, animal shelters, and, closest to his heart, Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides extraordinary service dogs to the handicapped. He has served on its Board of Governors for more than 20 years.
Jon has received numerous awards, among them The Motion Picture Council's award for Outstanding Contribution as a Humanitarian for his dedication to helping the physically challenged, the Allen Ludden Humanitarian Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Youth in Film Association.
He also received a Genesis Award for Outstanding Television in a Family Series for a New Lassie story he wrote focusing on the inhumane treatment of research animals.
Jon has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The check shirt and jeans he wore for seven years on Lassie hang in The Smithsonian next to Archie Bunker's chair. Lassie continues to air in more than 50 countries and Jon receives letters and emails from fans of all ages, worldwide.
Jon lives in Northern California with his wife, Hollywood writer, Laurie Jacobson. Of his many accomplishments, he is most proud of his children, Ryan and Katie, now in their 20s.
Visit his Official Website.