Buddy Joe Hooker on the Dating Game (with Farrah Fawcett)

Jerry Mathers, the actor who played Theordore “Beaver” Cleaver on the 1950s and 1960s sitcom Leave it to Beaver, was not the only actor from that show who was a contestant on The Dating Game. Jerry’s famous “groovy” episode happened in 1966 when he was 18 years old. If you’ve not seen that episode of The Dating Game, you will not know what I mean by, “groovy.” Watch it here and remember, Jerry was just 18 years old. Don’t give him the business.

Another actor from Leave it to Beaver, Buddy Joe Hooker, who played Wally’s friend Chester Anderson, also was a contestant on The Dating Game. His appearance came in 1969 when he had just about transitioned from part-time working actor to full-time working stuntman. He never did give up acting, but stunt work became his full-time career.

Joey Hooker, as he was introduced by host Jim Lange, was in competition with two other men for the affections of a “young lady,” named Farrah Fawcett, “an artist who wants to open her own gallery,” according to Lange. In this episode, Joey is asked by Farrah if he was in charge of America, what would he make the national past time. His answer as “Bachelor #2” was, “Love,” and it was said with syrupy sweetness. Farrah smiled and soon they were both off on a ski trip together to Austria.

If anyone has any tips on other actors from Leave it to Beaver that were on The Dating Game, please leave a comment below. Thanks!