Logo

‘Leave It to Beaver’ Actor Dies at 71

Apr 15, 2013  •  Post A Comment

An actor known for his role on the classic sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” has died. The New York Daily News reports that Frank Bank, who played Clarence "Lumpy" Rutherford on the series, died Saturday at 71.

No cause of death was given.

"Known as ‘Lumpy’ for his size and rather dim intellect, Clarence Rutherford was one of the several caricatures who made ‘Leave It to Beaver’ perhaps the most memorable teenage TV show of the late-‘50s era,” the piece notes.

“Beaver” originally aired from 1957-1963, first on CBS and then on ABC. Bank’s character first appeared in season one, tormenting Wally and Beaver Cleaver. "His bullying never caused any real harm, though, mostly because he was so incompetent," the story says.

Bank had guest roles on other 1950s shows, but he left acting after "Beaver" ended and became a bond broker. He reprised his role as Lumpy in the 1983 movie "Still the Beaver" and the 1980s television show "The New Leave It to Beaver," the piece notes.

Here’s a clip from “Leave It to Beaver” featuring Bank as Lumpy:

frank-bank.jpgFrank Bank

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)