Timmy's in the Well

Timmy's in the Well is the story of Jon Provost, television's first child superstar, and the low-down on Lassie, one of television's most enduring shows. It is filled with celebrity anecdotes, rare photos, and memorabilia. Since his original seven-year run on the show, Provost has become a household name in 125 countries. His episodes continue to air in more than 50 countries, the checked shirt and jeans he wore as Timmy hang in the Smithsonian, and he has his own star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.  Timmy's in the Well illustrates what happens to a middle-class American family touched by fame. Jon's first job came at age three, forever altering the course of his life and the lives of his family. With nearly a dozen film appearances in a mere five years, Provost was named the top child movie actor of 1958 by the New York Film Critics. Yet he could barely read, hardly knew his siblings, and had few friends under the age of 35.  At the age of twenty and on the verge of being swallowed up by Hollywood, Provost escaped to Northern California, only to learn that a "normal" life was not possible. Unprepared to make a living, he was gripped by depression and fell into a well that was deeper and darker than any he'd ever faced. But he found his way out of that well - on his own and without the dog.

Laurie Jacobson

Jon Provost

Jon Provost played Timmy on Lassie. In addition to being a sought-after celebrity guest on TV and radio, Jon makes appearances at events throughout the year. Naturally, heÆs always remained involved with dogs. Closest to his heart is Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides extraordinary service dogs to the handicapped. He has served on its NW Board of Directors for more than 20 years.Jon Provost played Timmy on Lassie. In addition to being a sought-after celebrity guest on TV and radio, Jon makes appearances at events throughout the year. Naturally, heÆs always remained involved with dogs. Closest to his heart is Canine Companions for Independence, an organization that provides extraordinary service dogs to the handicapped. He has served on its NW Board of Directors for more than 20 years.