Nearly 70 years after Leave It to Beaver first aired, Jerry Mathers—who played the beloved Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver—is still overwhelmed by the enduring love fans have for the iconic show. The 77-year-old actor recently reunited with surviving cast members at The Hollywood Show in Burbank, California, and reflected on the impact the wholesome sitcom continues to have.

“It was so wonderful to be with my friends from Leave It to Beaver,” Mathers said, referring to his reunion with castmates Stephen Talbot (Gilbert), Jeri Weil (Judy), Luke “Tiger” Fafara (Tooey), and Veronica Cartwright (Violet). “We took photos and signed autographs with the fans who were so gracious and happy to be with us.”

The classic show, which ran from 1957 to 1963, portrayed the everyday joys and lessons of American family life through the lens of young “Beaver” Cleaver and his older brother Wally. With reruns still airing and the first season streaming on Peacock, the series has found a new generation of viewers—and continues to comfort longtime fans.

“Hard to believe it is almost 70 years since Leave It to Beaver first aired on television,” Mathers remarked. “Our fans are so devoted, and many write to me that they record the show in the morning and watch it at night so they can have a peaceful sleep in this crazy world.”

Mathers said he’s deeply grateful to be associated with a show that “touches the lives of so many families in such a positive way.”

Over the years, Mathers has lived a full and varied life far beyond the Hollywood spotlight. After the show ended, he returned to public school and enjoyed a normal teenage experience—joining the track and football teams and making new friends.

Later, he served six years in the National Guard. “It was not a lot of fun because we were doing very hard work,” he recalled. “But it was something I felt I should do for my country. It was something I was proud to do.”

Mathers also found joy in quieter pursuits. He spent time working in real estate, raised a family, and now embraces his role as a grandfather. “I have a wonderful wife, and we have a great time with the grandchildren,” he said. “We get to babysit them every once in a while. Life for me today is very, very good.”

Although he no longer actively pursues acting, Mathers enjoys meeting fans at autograph shows across the country. “People still come up to me with questions about the show and what I’m doing,” he said. “I just have a wonderful life because Leave It to Beaver has made me so many friends.”