Jon Provost, born on March 12, 1950, in Los Angeles, became a beloved figure in American television history as Timmy Martin on the iconic show Lassie. His acting career began at the tender age of two with the film So Big (1953), followed by roles in The Country Girl (1954), Back from Eternity (1956), and Escapade in Japan (1957). In 1957, at just six years old, he was cast as Timmy, a role that would define his career.
The show Lassie had already been a staple of American culture through various media, including a short story, a novel, movies, and a radio series, before it became a television phenomenon from 1954 to 1973.Provost’s portrayal of Timmy Martin spanned from 1957 to 1964, during which he filmed 249 episodes. Reflecting on his time on Lassie, Jon fondly recalls it as a collection of cherished “home movies.” He reminisces about working with Hollywood legends like Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly, noting the unique experience of seeing himself on screen from such a young age. Despite not always understanding the full storyline due to filming multiple scripts simultaneously, Jon enjoyed the process and now looks back with gratitude and nostalgia. After Lassie, Provost continued to make TV appearances and act in several films. He has been married twice and has two children. At 73, he authored a memoir titled Timmy’s in the Well: the Jon Provost Story, offering fans a glimpse into his life and career.
