Actor Ken Osmond, best known for his role in the classic television comedy as Eddie Haskell on the classic comedy “Leave It to Beaver” has died at the age of 76.
According to Blasting News reports Ken Osmond passed away quietly at his home surrounded by his family on Monday. Osmond’s cause of death is unknown at this time and was confirmed by his manager.
For six seasons Osmond entertained fans as Eddie Haskell on the popular “Leave It to Beaver” series. Loved by fans for his quick wit and mischievous charm.
Before landing his returning role as Wally Cleavers’ pal Eddie. Osmond got his start as a child actor guest-starring in classic series such as “Wagon Train,” and “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriett.”
Ken landed his first speaking role at the age of 9 starring alongside stars Jane Wyman and Sterling Hayden in the film “So Big.” It was not until 1957 that Osmond auditioned for what would become the best-known role of his career
During the audition for the role of Eddie, Osmond believed it was to a one-time role. However, Ken soon charmed the big wigs at “Leave It to Beaver” and was given a full-time role lasting the entire run of the series.
Following the end of his run at “Leave It to Beaver” Ken made a number of appearances on television hits including “The Munsters” and Petticoat Junction.” However, as years went by Ken noticed his roles were often all typecast roles similar to Eddie Haskell.
In 1970 Ken Osmond decided to give up his acting career for a bit and pursued a career in Los Angeles as a police officer. In 1980 Osmond caught five bullets while on a foot chase with a suspected car thief.
Luckily four of the five bullets landed within Osmonds’ bullet-proof vest and the fifth ricocheted off of his belt buckle. Ken was placed on disability following the incident and retired from the department in 1988.
While on disability Osmond reprised his role as Eddie Haskell for the 1983 TV movie “Still the Beaver,” and again later the same year in the series revival “The New Leave It to Beaver.”
The revival series aired from 1983-1989 and allowed Ken Osmond the opportunity to act alongside his two real-life sons Eric and Christian, who played his sons on the series.
In 1997 Osmond stepped behind the camera one last time in the role he loved so much as Eddie Haskell in the film “Leave It to Beaver.”
Eric Osmond, Ken’s son released a statement via Osmond’s manager stating,
“He was an incredibly kind and wonderful father. He had his family gathered around him when he passed. He was loved and will be very missed.”
Ken Osmond is survived by his wife, Sandra, and his sons Christian and Eric.
