On January 16, 2025, Jack De Mave, best known for his role as Forest Ranger Bob Erickson on the CBS series “Lassie,” passed away at a hospice care facility in Macon, Georgia. His career spanned four decades, during which he appeared in numerous iconic TV shows. De Mave was 91 years old at the time of his passing.
De Mave’s friend Vickie Lovett confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that De Mave had suffered a heart attack on Thanksgiving Day prior to his demise. “He was a kind, generous, and enjoyable person to be around,” said Lovett.
De Mave, birth name John Francois De Mave, was born on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Growing up alongside his father, a heavyweight boxing contender, he initially considered a career in boxing. However, a performance by actor Paul Muni inspired him to take up acting instead. De Mave was trained by Mary Welch and Lee Strasberg in both classical and contemporary theater, with a particular focus on method acting techniques.
His first professional stage performance was in “Picnic,” opposite Inger Stevens. This led to collaborations with renowned actors Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward in productions like “Mr. Roberts,” “The Visit,” and “Dial M for Murder.” These early experiences established De Mave as a versatile character actor, proficient in both dramatic and lighter roles.
De Mave’s television career started in 1962 with a credited role in “Surfside 6.” During the 1960s, he made appearances on popular shows such as “Wagon Train,” “The F.B.I.,” “Daniel Boone,” “F Troop,” “Adam-12,” and “The Fugitive.”
In 1968, he secured his most iconic role as Forest Ranger Bob Erickson in “Lassie,” a role he played for two seasons. His portrayal of a ranger dedicated to wildlife preservation and forest protection resonated with audiences.
After “Lassie,” De Mave continued to work in television, appearing in shows such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Funny Face,” “The Doris Day Show,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” His film credits include “Blindfold” (1966) with Rock Hudson, “1776” (1972), and “The Man Without a Face” (1993) with Mel Gibson. In the 1970s, he also featured as The Lone Ranger in a series of Frito-Lay commercials.
Later in his career, De Mave transitioned to soap operas, portraying significant roles in “Days of Our Lives” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.” This demonstrated his adaptability to the unique demands of daily television production.
De Mave was married to Camille De Mave from 1963 until her death in 2013. Camille worked as an assistant to renowned figures Paul Newman and George Roy Hill, contributing to several major Hollywood productions. Their marriage lasted 50 years and spanned the majority of De Mave’s acting career.
Before his death, De Mave resided in Macon, Georgia. He entered hospice care following a heart attack on Thanksgiving Day in 2024.
