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Joey D. Vieira, best known for his role in “Lassie,” has died. He was 80.
The wife of his “Lassie” co-star Jon Provost confirmed with Fox News Digital that Vieira died just before his birthday, surrounded by loved ones.
“I have known him nearly 30 years. We were in touch with Joey and his kids all these years,” Laurie Jacobson Provost said.
“We spoke to Joey weekly during his long hospital stay. His daughter, Shanyn, let us know when he entered hospice, which barely lasted 24 hours.”
Vieira passed away on the late evening of April 7, just a few minutes before his birthday. Laurie shared that Vieira’s daughter contacted them the following morning to deliver the news of his demise.
She continued to reflect on how her husband and Vieira met 68 years ago.
“The ‘Lassie’ family is very close,” Laurie remarked.
His former co-star paid tribute on Wednesday to his longtime friend on social media.
“It has been an incredibly tough week. Joey Vieira, also known as ‘Porky’ from the original Lassie cast, passed away last night. Shanyn, his daughter, phoned me to inform that he had been admitted to hospice a couple of days ago,” read the post on Facebook.
The author went on to mention that his acquaintance with Joey began when he was merely seven years old during his time on Lassie. They struck up a friendship that endured through the years. Joey was fondly remembered as a wonderful individual, a skilled actor, and a successful music producer. It was noted that Joey has now reunited with his late son Beau in the afterlife.
Jon, who portrayed Timmy Martin in “Lassie,” accompanied his heartfelt tribute with several black-and-white photos of his memories with Vieira.
The cause of death is unknown.
Vieira was born on April 8, 1944, in Los Angeles, California.
The actor made his on-screen debut on the sitcom “Meet Mr. McNutley,” and then starred in the comedy “The Pride of the Family” alongside Paul Hartmann.
Vieira was 10 years old when he booked “Lassie,” created by Robert Maxwell and animal trainer Rudd Weatherwax. He starred on the show from 1954 until 195, portraying Sylvester “Porky” Brockway, who lived on a farm with his collie.
He appeared on 91 episodes of “Lassie.”
The popular series won two Emmy Awards for “Best Family Television Show.”
“Lassie” went on for another 15 seasons after Vieira’s departure. He later appeared in shows like “Shirley Temple’s Storybook” and “My Three Sons.”
Vieira also made appearances in 1969’s “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, 1986’s “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “The Patriot.”
Vieira’s other film credits include 1971’s “Evel Knievel,” 1988’s “Free Enterprise,” “Married … With Children” and more.
In 2023, Vieira’s son, Beau, died of cancer. The late actor is survived by his daughter Shanyn.