Four years of weekly TV appearances
is a pretty good record for any actor. But for Paul Petersenm of ABC’s
Donna Reed Show, that four years represents almost a quarter
of his life.
Initially, Paul was chosen for the part of “Jeff” because
of his slight build. “Now,” says Donna Reed, “he’s
forced me into high heels in scenes I used to get by in flats.”
Co-star Shelley Fabares echoes, “He’s supposed to be two
years younger and now he towers over me.” Paul himself is philosophical
about it. “A few more inches and I’ll qualify for a marshall’s
job in a western series,” he cracks.
The show’s producer maintains Paul is such a fine actor it’s
a pleasure providing him with a new wardrobe every six months or so.
Now 5’9”, Paul’s gained 10 of them since the series
started. Before Donna Reed, he was a member of Walt Disney’s
Mouseketeers—that exclusive club that counts among its alumni
Johnny Crawford and Annette.
At just 17, Paul is a very normal boy off-camera. He lives with his
family; mother, dad, an engineer, and two sisters—Pamela, 19
and Patricia, 7. An excellent student at school, he is keenly interested
in math, science and medicine, and may yet desert acting in favor
of one of them.
This year, yet another of Paul’s talents came to the fore…somewhat
to his surprise. He’d always been what he termed a “sneaky
singer”…in the shower, dressing room and other places
where he’d be unlikely to be overheard. But he was. Result?
He made his singing debut on the show with such success he later recorded
the song She Can’t Find Her Keys. A many-times-more-than-four
year wonder…that’s what predicted for Paul Petersen.
