Tommy Rettig
Tommy Rettig: A Hollywood Legacy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Tommy Rettig was born Thomas Albert Rettig on June 21, 1941, in Los Angeles, California. He is commonly known by his stage name, Lassie's Timmy.
Birth and Death Dates
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Rettig passed away on December 15, 1996, at the age of 55 due to lung cancer complications.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American actor, singer, and television personality
Early Life and Background
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Born into a show business family, Tommy Rettig was exposed to the entertainment industry from an early age. His parents, Thomas Albert Rettig Sr. and Alice Louise (née Johnson) Rettig, were both actors in their own right. As a child, Rettig made appearances on television shows and in films with his parents.
Major Accomplishments
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Rettig is best known for his portrayal of Jeff Miller, the son of the main character, on the classic television series "Lassie" from 1954 to 1957. During his time on the show, Rettig's popularity led to numerous appearances in films and other television programs.
Notable Works or Actions
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- Starred as Jeff Miller in "Lassie" (1954-1957)
- Appeared in several films, including "Journey Beneath the Desert" (1965) and "The Ugly Dachshund" (1966)
- Made guest appearances on various television shows
Impact and Legacy
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Rettig's impact on popular culture is undeniable. As a child star, he brought joy to millions of viewers through his charming performances on "Lassie." His legacy extends beyond the entertainment industry, as well; Rettig's experiences with fame at a young age have been documented in various publications and serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by child stars.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Rettig's contributions to the world of entertainment are significant. As one of the most beloved child stars of his time, he remains iconic for many fans who grew up watching him on television and in films. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of classic family-friendly programming and its enduring impact on popular culture.
As an actor, singer, and television personality, Tommy Rettig's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Despite struggling with personal demons later in life, he left behind a lasting impression on fans worldwide.
Quotes by Tommy Rettig
Well, I went to school with Jan and Dean, Ryan O’Neal, some of the Beach Boys we all use to party together.
There’s a big difference between somebody who does acid on weekends and somebody who takes downers every day.
We each had to spend a week out at Lassie’s ranch, and whoever got along best with the dog got the part.
Acid wasn’t getting a whole lot of bad press at the time, and as I saw the whole bad-press thing happen, I became aware that the government had done a whole lie on all the other benign drugs as well. It became clear to me that the government wanted no real drug education.
I was totally devastated for four years in the mid ’60s when l tried to buck the tide.
We each had to spend a week out at Lassie's ranch, and whoever got along best with the dog got the part.
There was this little shaggy dog on it, and Frank Weatherwax was working the dog. One day we were all sitting around, and Frank said, listen, my brother Rudd just got the rights back from MGM for Lassie, and said have your agent check into it. I did, and I went for a screen test.
I just wanted to have a chance at the real world. Then I found out through working a series of straight jobs that straight jobs suck!