Jack De Mave from ‘Lassie’ & ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ Dies at 91

LASSIE, Jack De Mave, Lassie, Jed Allan (ca. 1969-Season 16), 1954-74
Everett Collection

Actor Jack De Mave passed away at the age of 91 on January 16, 2025. He reportedly suffered from a heart attack on Thanksgiving Day that led to him being put in hospice care. De Mave was best known for playing a forest ranger on Lassie and appeared as Rhoda’s date in The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

John Francois De Mave was born on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey. His father was a heavyweight boxer, said to be the inspiration for the play Golden Boy. His mother was a casting director on Broadway.

LASSIE, Lassie, Jack De Mave, Jerry Mathers, Jim Halferty, 'Lassie and the 4-H Boys' (Season 15, aired December 15, 1968), 1954-74

Everett Collection

He began working as an actor in the 1960s, appearing in shows and films such as Wagon Train, Daniel Boone and even playing The Lone Ranger in Frito-Lay commercials. He joined the cast of Lassie in its 15th season as Forest Ranger Bob Erickson, appearing in the show for 23 episodes.

De Mave went on to appear in shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Adam-12, Marcus Welby M.D., The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of Our Lives. His final acting credit was in a 2008 TV movie called Ladies of the House.

Jack De Mave, 1971

Getty Images

He was married to Camille De Mave, who worked as an assistant for Paul Newman and George Roy Hill until her death in 2013. His friend Vickie Lovett confirmed the news of his death and said that she has adopted his dog, a Sheltie named Tyler.

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September 2020

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