<P> Eugene Hugh Beaumont ( February 16 , 1909 -- May 14 , 1982 ) was an American actor and television director . He was also licensed to preach by the Methodist church . Beaumont is best known for his portrayal of Ward Cleaver on the television series Leave It to Beaver , originally broadcast from 1957 to 1963 . He had earlier played the role of the private detective Michael Shayne in a series of films in the 1940s . </P>
<P> Eugene Hugh Beaumont ( February 16 , 1909 -- May 14 , 1982 ) was an American actor and television director . He was also licensed to preach by the Methodist church . Beaumont is best known for his portrayal of Ward Cleaver on the television series Leave It to Beaver , originally broadcast from 1957 to 1963 . He had earlier played the role of the private detective Michael Shayne in a series of films in the 1940s . </P>
who played the father in leave it to beaver
who played the father in leave it to beaver
Eugene Hugh Beaumont
Eugene Hugh Beaumont