Rusty Stevens

Robert "Rusty" Stevens (born 25 December 1948) is an American former child actor most fondly remembered for his role as "Larry Mondello" in the original Leave It to Beaver television series. He appeared in 67 of the show's 235 episodes, between 1957 and 1960.

Robert 'Rusty' Stevens was born on December 25, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Stevens made his acting debut in 1951, aged 3, in "The Case of the Vain Woman" episode of the TV series Racket Squad with Reed Hadley and Christine McIntyre. After a gap of a few years, he was next seen in the episode "The Frying Pan" (1957) of the TV series Telephone Time.

1957 also saw the beginning of his most memorable role of "Larry Mondello" in the sitcom Leave It to Beaver series. He portrayed the friend of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver character (played by Jerry Mathers).

It was reported that Stevens left the show in 1960 because his family moved from Burbank to Philadelphia. Barbara Billingsley, who played "June Cleaver" on the series, said in an Archive of American Television interview that Stevens was let go because his overbearing mother caused grief for the producers of the series. "We all loved Rusty so much. He was so good in that role, and unfortunately they had to let him go because his mother was such a pain in the neck."

After a positive reception, the sitcom was revived as The New Leave It to Beaver,aired on Disney Channel from 1984 to 1985, and then on TBS from 1986 to 1989. Rusty was seen in his character of "Larry Mondello" along with the other familiar faces: Frank Bank as "Clarence Rutherford", Rich Correll as "Richard Rickover", and Diane Brewster as "Miss Canfield." He also played his part in 1983 made-for-TV movie Still the Beaver, with the familiar cast (directed by Steven Hilliard Stern.)

After leaving Leave It to Beaver in 1960, Stevens guest-starred in an episode each of such television series as Angel (1960), The Jim Backus Show (1961), My Three Sons (1962), Perry Mason (1962), Wagon Train (1962), and The Rifleman (1963).

After his last appearances in the revival of Leave It to Beaver, Stevens retired from acting and later worked as an insurance salesman in New Jersey (2001). He also served in the U.S. Army starting in 1969 with a military occupational specialty of armor (tanks). He served in Daley Barracks, Border Guard Unit, Bad Kissingen, West Germany.

Stevens is married to his wife Theresa Marinelli . They have one child.