Who Is Jon Provost?
If you grew up watching classic television in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the name Jon Provost probably brings a smile to your face. Born Jonathan Bion Provost on March 12, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, he is best known as Timmy Martin on the iconic TV series Lassie.
Jon’s story is one of a child star who navigated fame at a very young age and transitioned into a life beyond the cameras. His journey is often compared to other child actors of the era who became household names almost overnight, learning both the perks and pressures of early stardom.
Jon’s early start in the entertainment industry came almost by chance. As a toddler, he appeared in commercials and small roles in films. His natural charm and ability to connect with audiences made him an ideal choice for the role of Timmy. When he joined Lassie, he took over from the original child actor, Tommy Rettig. This transition marked the beginning of what would become a defining period in television history.
Even decades later, fans recall his expressive eyes, warm smile, and the way he made Timmy feel like a real boy you could imagine living next door. While some child stars struggle to adapt after leaving fame, Jon maintained a balance between the public spotlight and his private life, a feat that is often easier said than done.
Jon Provost Profile Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Bion Provost |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1950 |
| Age (2025) | 75 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, Author, Animal Advocate |
| Famous Role | Timmy Martin on Lassie |
| Parents | Father: Aeronautical Engineer; Mother: Homemaker (supported early acting career) |
| Siblings | Brother: Bill Provost (minor acting appearances) |
| Marriages | 1) Sandra Marie Goosens (1979–1993), 2) Laurie Jacobson (1999–present) |
| Children | Ryan Provost (b. 1984), Katie Provost (b. 1986) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2M – $5M |
| Connection to Tommy Rettig | Succeeded Tommy as Timmy on Lassie; worked briefly together on The New Lassie |
| Current Status | Alive, active in fan events and advocacy |
Jon Provost Net Worth and Financial Journey
When discussing Jon Provost, many people are curious about Jon Provost Net Worth. Estimates vary, but it is widely believed that his total assets range between $2 million and $5 million. This figure reflects his earnings from television, appearances, book sales, and other ventures rather than constant high-profile acting work in later years.
Child actors typically earn in ways that differ from adult stars. For example, the income from a TV show is often paid in installments, and taxes, management fees, and trust funds can reduce what ultimately goes into a young actor’s pocket. Imagine a scenario where a young performer earns $1,000 per episode but only sees a portion after taxes and agent fees — the long-term wealth depends on financial management and investments, not just raw earnings.
For Jon, his earnings from Lassie provided a strong foundation. But like many actors, he diversified. Over the years, he has engaged in public speaking, fan conventions, and even writing. These activities, combined with prudent management, contributed significantly to his current financial status.
Some comparisons can help illustrate this point. Think of a successful child actor like a person who inherits a family business. They start with a strong base, but the ultimate value depends on careful choices over the decades. Jon seems to have navigated this balance thoughtfully, choosing projects and commitments that aligned with his life goals, rather than chasing fame alone.
His financial story also includes an element of real estate investment, with properties that have appreciated over time. These assets provide stability and add to his net worth without requiring continuous public attention. For many in similar positions, this is a practical strategy: leveraging initial earnings into long-term security.
Jon Provost Net Worth Life, Family, and Personal Relationships
Jon Provost’s life off-screen has been as rich and layered as his time in the limelight. He was born to supportive parents who understood the demands of child acting. His father worked as an aeronautical engineer, a profession that values precision and patience — qualities that likely influenced Jon’s own approach to life. His mother often accompanied him on set, providing guidance and a sense of normalcy amidst the bustle of Hollywood.
Jon Provost Marriages and Children
Jon has been married twice. His first marriage was to Sandra Marie Goosens, with whom he had two children: Ryan and Katie Provost. Ryan was born in 1984 and Katie followed in 1986. These children grew up with the unique experience of having a famous father, but Jon has consistently worked to provide a stable and grounded family environment.
In 1999, he married Laurie Jacobson, a documentary writer and collaborator on his memoirs. Their partnership blends personal connection with creative collaboration, demonstrating how Jon has integrated family life with his professional interests.
Jon Provost Siblings and Extended Family
Information about Jon’s siblings is limited, but it is known that he has a brother named Bill, who had minor acting appearances. Family seems to have played a subtle but important role in Jon’s life, supporting him during his early years in Hollywood and beyond.
Jon Provost Connection to Tommy Rettig
A key figure in Jon’s career story is Tommy Rettig, the original child actor who played Timmy before Jon. While Tommy passed away in 1996, the two shared an important connection through the legacy of Lassie. Later, Jon worked briefly with Tommy during The New Lassie, showcasing a professional bond that bridged generations of the iconic show.
This kind of connection is often seen in other industries as well, where successors and predecessors share mentorship or symbolic collaboration. In Jon’s case, it underscores the continuity and respect for the history of the series he helped popularize.
Current Status
Jon Provost is alive and active in various ways. At 75 years old, he continues to engage with fans, participate in conventions, and support animal advocacy causes — a commitment inspired by his experiences on Lassie. His life exemplifies how a former child star can maintain relevance without being continuously in the public eye.
Career Beyond Lassie
While Jon is best known as Timmy, his career spans more than just that role. Before Lassie, he appeared in films alongside high-profile actors, and he continued acting in television and film sporadically after leaving full-time showbiz.
He also co-authored a memoir with his wife Laurie Jacobson, titled Timmy’s in the Well: The Jon Provost Story. This book allows readers to see the person behind the character, reflecting on both triumphs and challenges. It’s a reminder that public figures often have private lives that are just as significant as their professional accomplishments.
Jon’s later career also included public speaking and engagement in community events. His participation in fan conventions and media appearances highlights his enduring popularity. These activities often provide a blend of financial stability and personal satisfaction, illustrating a balance many former child stars strive for.
Legacy and Lessons from Jon Provost’s Life
Jon Provost’s life provides several valuable insights, especially for those interested in the dynamics of early fame and long-term personal growth:
- Sustaining financial stability – Jon’s careful management of earnings and investments shows the importance of long-term planning. Even modest early earnings can grow into lasting security with careful oversight.
- Balancing public and private life – Unlike many child actors, Jon maintained a sense of privacy while still engaging with fans and media. His ability to step back from fame when needed likely contributed to his well-being.
- Family as a foundation – From supportive parents to children and a collaborative spouse, family has been central to Jon’s life. This stability likely provided a buffer against the pressures of early celebrity.
- Legacy beyond acting – Jon’s advocacy for animals, community engagement, and literary work demonstrate how personal interests can complement a professional legacy. His story shows that identity can evolve beyond the roles that made someone famous.
In essence, Jon Provost exemplifies a successful navigation of childhood fame, financial prudence, and personal fulfillment. His life story offers both inspiration and practical lessons for those managing public attention and private aspirations.
Conclusion on Jon Provost Net Worth
Jon Provost remains a figure of fascination not just because of Lassie, but because of the thoughtful way he has approached life, family, and career. Jon Provost Net Worth, while modest compared to Hollywood megastars, reflects not just his early earnings but decades of careful management and smart choices. Beyond the numbers, Jon’s enduring presence at fan events, dedication to family, and advocacy work highlight a rich, balanced life.
From a young boy chasing a collie on screen to a respected elder statesman of classic television, Jon Provost’s journey underscores that fame is a chapter, not the entirety of life. For those exploring his story, whether out of nostalgia or curiosity, his life offers a window into both the joys and responsibilities of early success.
For readers looking for a nuanced take on classic television stars and the evolution of their lives beyond fame, vistanews often covers profiles like Jon Provost’s that combine history, personal insight, and financial perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jon Provost
1. Who is Jon Provost?
Jon Provost is an American actor best known for playing Timmy Martin on the classic TV series Lassie. He started acting as a child and became one of the most beloved child stars of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
2. How old is Jon Provost and is he still alive?
Jon Provost was born on March 12, 1950, making him 75 years old in 2025. Yes, he is still alive and actively participates in fan events and animal advocacy.
3. What is Jon Provost net worth?
Jon Provost net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $5 million, which comes from his acting career, book sales, appearances, and other ventures.
4. Who are Jon Provost’s family members?
Jon was born to supportive parents, has a brother named Bill, and has two children — Ryan and Katie Provost — from his first marriage. He is currently married to Laurie Jacobson.
5. What was Jon Provost’s connection to Tommy Rettig?
Tommy Rettig was the original child actor to play Timmy on Lassie. Jon succeeded him in the role and briefly worked with him during The New Lassie. Tommy passed away in 1996.
