‘Leave It to Beaver’ star Ken Osmond dies

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Ken Osmond, who played Eddie Haskell on the classic television show "Leave It to Beaver" has died, Variety reported.

There was no cause of death released.

Osmond was 76.

Sources told Variety that he died at his home in Los Angeles and was surrounded by family.

His son, Eric, confirmed his father's death, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Osmond had left acting and became a police officer after growing up in front of the camera.

His former partner at the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Osmond's death saying he had respiratory issues, Variety reported.

Osmond started his career at the age of 9. His first speaking part was in the Jane Wyman and Sterling Hayden film “So Big.” He also guest-starred on television series like “Lassie” and “The Adventures of Ozzy and Harriet.”

He had auditioned for another guest role, this time on "Leave It to Beaver," but the role turned into a recurring character after his performance. The show ended up running 234 episodes over six seasons, with Osmond appearing in 96 episodes, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Osmond also came back for the updated version of "Leave It to Beaver" in 1983, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

After other guest-starring roles and some movie appearances, Osmond left the entertainment world after being typecast as Haskell-type, troublemaker characters.

He eventually joined the LAPD in 1970 and grew a mustache so he would not be recognizable. He was wounded in the line of duty a decade later. He had been shot with a majority of the shots stopped by his bulletproof vest, but one ricocheted off his belt buckle. He went on disability and retired in 1988, Variety reported.

Osmond is survived by his wife Sandy, and his sons Eric and Christian.

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