A beloved former Leave it to Beaver child star has died at 76.
Actor John Eimen — best known for his early TV roles in the 1950s and ‘60s — passed away at his home in Mukilteo, Washington, on Friday, November 21, his representative Harlon Boll confirmed to USA Today.
Eimen revealed on Facebook on September 23 that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
“Sad News – I’ve Got Cancer,” he wrote, noting that it was an “advanced” stage.
“I’ve been blessed with wonderful friends, a loving family and 75 great years, Thanks to all of you!” his post continued.
John Eimen/Facebook
Eimen made his TV debut in the premiere episode of Leave it to Beaver, playing one of Theodore Cleaver’s classmates. He went on to make guest appearances throughout the show’s run.
He later costarred in the children’s sitcom McKeever and the Colonel as Cadet Monk Roberts and appeared in series including The Twilight Zone, The Untouchables, Have Gun — Will Travel, Petticoat Junction, The Lloyd Bridges Show, and many others, according to his IMDb page.
Discovered by an agent in Los Angeles, Eimen began acting at age six. After several years as a child actor, he shifted into a career in music as a guitarist and songwriter.
He later moved to Japan, where he met his wife, Midori. Eimen spent more than a decade there teaching English and performing music before returning to the U.S. in the 1990s and settling in Mukilteo, near Seattle.
Eimen went on to work as a flight attendant for 25 years, retiring at age 71 in 2020, Boll said.
He is survived by his wife and their two adult sons, Daniel and Chris Eimen.
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