Jack De Mave, notable for his role as Forest Ranger Bob Erickson on the CBS series “Lassie” and a staple in television for over four decades, passed away on January 16, 2025, while in hospice care in Macon, Georgia. He was 91.
Before his death, De Mave had a heart attack on Thanksgiving Day, reported Vickie Lovett, a close friend of De Mave who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter. “He was a kind, generous, and enjoyable person to be around,” Lovett said.
Jack De Mave, born John Francois De Mave on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey, was inspired by his father’s career as a heavyweight boxing contender. However, after seeing a performance by actor Paul Muni, De Mave decided to follow a path in acting rather than boxing. He studied classical and contemporary theater under Mary Welch and Lee Strasberg, honing his acting skills with method acting techniques.
De Mave made his professional stage debut in “Picnic” opposite Inger Stevens, leading to work with renowned actors like Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward in productions such as “Mr. Roberts,” “The Visit,” and “Dial M for Murder.” His work in theatre helped establish him as a versatile character actor proficient in both dramatic and comedic roles.
His television career started in 1962 with a credited role in “Surfside 6.” Throughout the 1960s, De Mave established himself as a reliable television actor, appearing in popular shows like “Wagon Train,” “The F.B.I.,” “Daniel Boone,” “F Troop,” “Adam-12,” and “The Fugitive.”
In 1968, he secured his most well-known role as Forest Ranger Bob Erickson on “Lassie,” for two seasons. The role allowed him to showcase his ability to bond with both his human co-stars and the famous collie. His character became associated with a dedication to wildlife preservation and forest protection, themes that resonated with viewers during his time on the show.
After “Lassie,” De Mave maintained a steady career in television, appearing on shows such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” where he played an unconventional date for Rhoda Morgenstern, “Funny Face,” “The Doris Day Show,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” His aptitude for both drama and comedy allowed him to transition between genres with ease throughout his career.
His filmography includes notable roles in “Blindfold” (1966) with Rock Hudson, “1776” (1972), and “The Man Without a Face” (1993) featuring Mel Gibson. In the 1970s, he became a familiar face in the Frito-Lay commercials as The Lone Ranger, which aired nationally for several years.
Late in his career, De Mave shifted to daytime television, securing significant roles in soap operas. He played Dr. Gregory Eldridge in “Days of Our Lives” and later appeared as Cal Clinton in “The Bold and the Beautiful,” showcasing his adaptability to the unique demands of daily television production.
He was married to Camille De Mave from 1963 until her death in 2013. Camille worked as an assistant for famed actors and directors Paul Newman and George Roy Hill, contributing to numerous major Hollywood productions. Their marriage, which lasted 50 years, covered most of De Mave’s acting career.
The final years of his life were spent in Macon, Georgia. He entered hospice care following the heart attack on Thanksgiving Day in 2024.