Joey D. Vieira is best known for his role in “Lassie.” I’m dead. He was 80 years old.
The wife of his “Lassie” co-star, John Provost, confirmed on Fox News Digital that Vieira passed away just before his birthday and surrounded by his loved ones.
“I’ve known him for nearly 30 years. We’ve been in touch with Joey and his kids all these past few years,” said Laurie Jacobson Provost.
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Joey D. Vieira, best known for her role in “Lassie,” has passed away. He was 80 years old. (John Provost Collection)
“We spoke to Joey Weekly during his long hospital stay. His daughter, Shanin, let us know when he enters the hospice that barely lasts for 24 hours.”
Vieira passed away late April 7th – “Shy for 8 minutes of his birthday.” Laurie explained that Vieira’s daughter called them the next morning to announce his death.
Joey D. Vieira is credited for 91 episodes of “Lassie.” (John Provost Collection)
She continued to reflect on how her husband and Vieira met. 68 years ago.
“The ‘Rassie’ family is very close,” Laurie said.
His former co-star paid tribute to his longtime friend on social media on Wednesday.
“What a week was it? The original Lacy cast member Joey Vieira “Porky” passed last night. My daughter Shanin called me a few days ago saying she had been in the hospice.” Facebook Posts read.
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He continued, “I met Joey when I was seven. When I started Lassie, we hit it and became friends forever. Joey was a great guy, a talented actor and even a successful record producer.
Vieira’s specific cause of death is unknown. (John Provost Collection)
John, who portrayed Timmy Martin in “Lassie,” accompanied him with some heartfelt tributes, along with his memories and a black and white photograph with Vieira.
The cause of death is unknown.
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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 appeared on the comedy “The Pride of the Family” alongside Paul Hartman.
Vieira was 10 years old when she booked a “Lassie,” created by Robert Maxwell and animal trainer Rudd Weatherwax. He appeared on shows from 1954 to 195, portraying Sylvester “Porky” Brockway, who lived on a farm with Corey.
Lassy posed with owner and trainer Ladd Weatherwax. (bettmann/contributor/getty images)
He appeared in episode 91 of “Lassi.”
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The popular series won two Emmy Awards for Best Family TV Show.
“Lassi” lasted another 15 seasons after Vieira’s departure. He later appeared in shows such as “Shirley Temple’s Picture Book” and “My Three Sons.”
Vieira appeared in Lassie while Lassie focused on the Miller family when his co-star Tommy Rettig played Jeff. (John Provost Collection)
Vieira also appeared in 1969’s “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, 1986 “Ferris Buhler’s Holiday” And “Patriots.”
Other Vieira film credits include “Evel Knievel” in 1971, “Free Enterprise” in 1988, and “Married…With Children.”
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In 2023, Vieira’s son, Bo, died of cancer. The late actor was survived by his daughter Shanin.
