Born in Los Angeles on March 12, 1950, Jon Provost rose to fame in American television history as Timmy Martin from the hit series Lassie.
At the age of two, he had his acting debut in the 1953 film So Big. He went on to play parts in the films The Country Girl (1954), Back from Eternity (1956), and Escapade in Japan (1957). He was cast as Timmy in 1957 when he was only six years old, a part that would come to define his career.
Before Lassie became a television sensation from 1954 to 1973, it had already become ingrained in American culture through a variety of media, including radio shows, movies, novels, and short stories.
Provost shot 249 episodes while he played Timmy Martin, which ran from 1957 to 1964. When Jon thinks back on his time on Lassie, he cherishes the memories as a compilation of “home movies.” He recalls his time spent collaborating with Hollywood icons such as Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly, highlighting the exceptional opportunity to have appeared on screen at such a young age.
Because he was filming numerous screenplays at once, he didn’t always understand the entire plot, but he enjoyed the experience and now looks back with gratitude and fondness.
Provost went on to act in a number of movies and TV shows after Lassie. He has two children and has been married twice. He gave readers a peek inside his life and career with his biography, Timmy’s in the Well: the Jon Provost Story, which he wrote at the age of 73.
Check out the actor’s appearance at 73: He’s not often seen these days. Scroll to view additional images.
