Ken Osmond, ‘Leave It to Beaver’ star, dead at 76

Ken Osmond, the actor who played Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver,” died Monday, according to Variety. He was 76.

Osmond’s died at his Los Angeles home, according to the report. The cause of his death is unknown. Henry Lane, Osmond’s former partner with the Los Angeles Police Department, told Variety he had suffered from respiratory issues.

He is best known for his role in the classic 50′s show “Leave it to Beaver," where he portrayed the high school friend of Wally Cleaver, “the Beaver’s” brother. According to Variety, his role was originally intended to just be a guest appearance. However, he wound up becoming a key component to the show’s six seasons.

Osmond’s first role as a child actor was in the film “So Big,” at the age of 9. He also guest-starred on other television series including “Lassie,” “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” and “Wagon Train." He later played Eddie Sr. in the “Leave it to Beaver” reboot movie.

Osmond joined the LAPD in 1970, when he even grew a mustache to be less recognizable, according to Variety. In 1980, he was hit five times by a bullet while chasing a suspected car thief on foot. Four of the bullets were stopped his bullet-resistant vest, while the fifth bullet ricocheted off of his belt buckle, the report said.

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