George Cleveland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George Alan Cleveland (September 17, 1885 – July 15, 1957) was a Canadian film actor. He appeared in more than 180 films between 1933 and 1954.

Cleveland is perhaps best remembered today as George "Gramps" Miller in the early years of the long running US series Lassie. The early seasons in which Cleveland appeared were retitled Jeff's Collie for syndicated reruns and DVD release. He played the grumpy but-kind hearted father-in-law of farm woman Ellen Miller (Jan Clayton), and grandfather of Lassie's owner, Jeff (Tommy Rettig).

Cleveland appeared in the first three seasons (1954–1956) and in the first 12 episodes of the fourth season (1957). His death in July 1957 was written into the 13th episode of the fourth season (1957) and became the storyline motive for the selling of the farm and the departure of the Millers for Capitol City.