Eugene Hugh Beaumont was an American actor, director, and writer. He is best remembered for playing Ward Cleaver in the TV series ‘Leave It to Beaver’. Born in Eudora, Kansas, to a travelling salesman, he frequently moved with his family due to his father’s profession. After graduating from a private coeducational prep school in Tennessee, he studied at University of Chattanooga and later earned his Master of Theology degree from University of Southern California. Beaumont’s career in show business began in 1931 with performances in radio, night clubs and theatres. He eventually started acting in motion pictures in 1940 and went on to appear in numerous films as well as television projects. On a personal note, the actor married only once in his lifetime. He tied the knot with actress Kathryn Adams in April 1941 on Easter Sunday, Their partnership lasted 33 years until their separation in 1974. Beaumont died of a heart attack in 1982 while visiting his son, a psychologist serving in Munich, West Germany.
