Matinee Classics - Paul Petersen Biography & Filmography

Paul Petersen ACTOR

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PAUL PETERSEN BIOGRAPHY & FILMOGRAPHY:

Paul Petersen was born on September 23rd, 1945 in Glendale, California with the first name William. He became involved in acting from a young age. His mother pushed him into pursuing a career in the industry at the age of eight.

He first began performing as a 'Mouseketeer' on, "The Mickey Mouse Club" (1955) and was a child actor in such films as, "The Monolith Monsters" (1957) and "Houseboat" (1958) starring Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, Martha Hyer, Charles Herbert, Harry Guardino, Werner Klemperer, John Litel and Mimi Gibson. By the age of twelve he received his first real big break when he was cast on the television show, "The Donna Reed Show" (1958). He gained such a huge fan base that he was even pushed into starting a singing label and although he did not have excelling vocal talents his music sold.

Some of his songs were, "She Can't Find her Keys", "Amy", "Lollipops and Roses" and "My Dad". During the 1960's he was also involved in recording for Motown, such singles as, "Chained" and "A Little Bit For Sandy".

However, in 1966 the show was cancelled and his popularity began to decline. Plus he was having a hard time transitioning in the industry from child actor to adult actor. He was cast in a couple films such as, "In the Year 2889" (1967), "A Time for Killing" (1967), the television movie, "Something for a Lonely Man" (1968) and guest appearances on such television series as, "The Virginian", "The F.B.I.", "Fantasy Island", "Love, American Style" and "The New Mike Hammer".

Although he had a successful career as a child, it took a toll on him and in 1990 he started a support group for child actors called, "A Minor Consideration" which supports helping to protect child actors presently from being taken advantage of. He helps monitor laws to protect children from being overworked and making sure they receive proper education.

He retired from the industry, went to college and earned a degree in English and History. He ended up becoming a writer publishing a total of sixteen books. He also found work running a limousine company for a number of years.

Currently he resides in Los Angeles and serves on the Board of the Donna Reed Foundation as well as serving on the Board for the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists known as AFTRA.

Paul Petersen has married three times throughout his lifetime. His first wife was Brenda Benet whom he wed in 1967 but by 1970 this marriage came to an end. He then married Hallie Litman in 1974 and together they had two children before this marriage also ended in divorce in 1988. His third and current wife is Rana Jo Platz whom he married in 1992. He also has one other daughter from another relationship born out of wedlock.