Jack De Mave

John Francois De Mave (December 8, 1933 – January 16, 2025) was an American stage and television actor. He was perhaps best known for playing Forest Ranger Bob Erickson in the American children's adventure television series Lassie from 1968 to 1970.^[1][3]

Jack De Mave
De Mave (left) with Lassie and Jed Allan in Lassie, 1969
Born	John Francois De Mave (1933-12-08)December 8, 1933 Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	January 16, 2025(2025-01-16) (aged 91) Macon, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Stage and television actor
Years active	1958–2008
Spouse	Ann Camille Smith ​ ​ (m. 1963; died 2013)​ [1][2]

Life and career

De Mave was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on December 8, 1933,^[2] the son of a professional boxer.^[1] He began his career in 1958, appearing in the play The Visit. He then made his television debut in 1962, appearing in the drama television series Surfside 6.^[3] He guest-starred in television programs including F Troop, Marcus Welby, M.D., The Fugitive, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Daniel Boone, Adam-12 and Wagon Train, and The Doris Day Show.^[4] In 1968, he joined the cast of CBS's television series Lassie, playing the role of Forest Ranger Bob Erickson^[5][6][7] until 1970.^[3]

De Mave played the role of Dr. Gregory Eldridge in the soap opera television series Days of Our Lives and the role of Cal Clinton in The Bold and the Beautiful.^[3] He retired in 2008, last appearing in the television film Ladies of the House.^[8]

Personal life

In 1963, De Mave married Ann Camille Smith. She died in 2013, at the age of 84.^[2]

De Mave died in hospice care following a heart attack in Macon, Georgia, on January 16, 2025, at the age of 91.^[2]