Jack De Mave, famed for his role as Forest Ranger Bob Erickson on the CBS series “Lassie,” passed away on January 16, 2025. De Mave, who was 91, died in a hospice in Macon, Georgia.
Before his passing, De Mave had suffered a heart attack on Thanksgiving Day, as reported by his friend Vickie Lovett to The Hollywood Reporter. Lovett described him as a “kind, generous, and enjoyable person to be around.”
De Mave was born as John Francois De Mave on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Despite being influenced by his father’s heavyweight boxing career, De Mave was drawn to acting after witnessing a performance by actor Paul Muni. His acting skills were honed under the guidance of Mary Welch and Lee Strasberg, where he was trained in both classical and contemporary theater as well as method acting techniques.
De Mave made his professional stage debut in “Picnic” opposite Inger Stevens. His early stage career included working with distinguished actors Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward in plays like “Mr. Roberts,” “The Visit,” and “Dial M for Murder,” solidifying his reputation as a versatile character actor.
His television career started in 1962 with a role in “Surfside 6.” Throughout the 1960s, De Mave appeared in several popular TV shows, including “Wagon Train,” “The F.B.I.,” “Daniel Boone,” “F Troop,” “Adam-12,” and “The Fugitive.”
In 1968, De Mave secured his most iconic role as Forest Ranger Bob Erickson on “Lassie.” His portrayal of Erickson, a dedicated protector of wildlife and the forest, won him acclaim during his two seasons on the show.
Following “Lassie,” De Mave continued to have a successful television career, appearing on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Funny Face,” “The Doris Day Show,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” His versatility as an actor enabled him to transition effortlessly between drama and comedy.
De Mave’s film credits include “Blindfold” (1966) with Rock Hudson, “1776” (1972), and “The Man Without a Face” (1993) alongside Mel Gibson. He also appeared as The Lone Ranger in a series of Frito-Lay commercials that aired nationally in the 1970s.
In the later stages of his career, De Mave transitioned to soap operas, appearing as Dr. Gregory Eldridge in “Days of Our Lives” and later as Cal Clinton in “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
De Mave was married to Camille De Mave from 1963 until her death in 2013. Camille worked as an assistant for renowned actors and directors Paul Newman and George Roy Hill and was a significant contributor to numerous Hollywood productions. Their marriage lasted for five decades, covering most of De Mave’s acting career.
De Mave spent his final years in Macon, Georgia, where he entered hospice care following his heart attack on Thanksgiving Day in 2024.
