History of Tom Lester in Timeline

Tom Lester was an American actor and evangelist best known for his role as Eb Dawson on the television series Green Acres. He also made crossover appearances on Petticoat Junction, another series set in the fictional town of Hooterville. In addition to his television work, Lester appeared in two animal-centric feature films, Gordy and Benji. While primarily known for his acting career, he also served as an evangelist.

1913: Birth of Pat Lester

Tom Lester's father, Pat Lester, was born in 1913 and worked as an accountant with Gulf Oil.

1914: Birth of Mary Sue Lester

Tom Lester's mother, Mary Sue (Thornton) Lester, was born in 1914 and worked as a manager at Home Interiors and Gifts.

September 23, 1938: Birth of Tom Lester

Thomas William Lester was born on September 23, 1938, in Laurel, Mississippi.

1948: Tom Lester's Religious Awakening and Career Aspirations

In 1948, Tom Lester became a born-again Christian and expressed his desire to pursue an acting career in Hollywood.

1965: Green Acres Debut

Tom Lester began his role as Eb Dawson on Green Acres in 1965.

1967: Tom Lester's Illness and Absence from Green Acres

In 1967, Tom Lester was diagnosed with mononucleosis, causing his absence from Green Acres during the first half of the 1967-1968 season.

1971: Continued Friendship with Eddie Albert

After Green Acres ended in 1971, Tom Lester maintained a close friendship with Eddie Albert.

1971: Green Acres Cancellation

Green Acres was cancelled in 1971.

1990: Return to Green Acres

Tom Lester reunited with Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor for Return to Green Acres in 1990.

1991: The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend

Tom Lester played the adult Pete Maravich in The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend in 1991.

1995: Eva Gabor's Funeral

Tom Lester and Eddie Albert attended Eva Gabor's funeral in 1995.

1997: Wildlife Farmer of the Year Award

Tom Lester received Mississippi's "Wildlife Farmer of the Year" award in 1997.

2004: Christmas Child Voice Role

In 2004, Tom Lester voiced the unseen DJ in the movie Christmas Child.

May 26, 2005: Death of Eddie Albert

Eddie Albert died on May 26, 2005, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

July 2007: Tom Lester's Marriage

Tom Lester married Kaylie in July 2007 at the age of 68.

2009: Death of Tom Lester's Parents

Both of Tom Lester's parents, Pat and Mary Sue Lester, passed away in 2009.

February 15, 2014: Death of Mary Grace Canfield

Mary Grace Canfield, who played Ralph Monroe on Green Acres, passed away on February 15, 2014, leaving Tom Lester as the last surviving regular cast member.