Paul Petersen

A teen idol in the late 1950s and early 1960s thanks to his starring role on "The Donna Reed Show" (ABC, 1958-1966), Paul Petersen experienced the heights and depths of fame in a brief but tumultuous career that inspired him to become an advocacy leader for the rights of child actors. A performer on screen from the age of eight, he was one of the original Mouseketeers on "The Mickey Mouse Club" (ABC, 1955-59) before landing the role of Jeff Stone on "Donna Reed." The show's popularity made him an object of affection for young girls, who also helped to foster his modest pop music career. However, when the series ended, he found it near impossible to find work. The suicide of a fellow child actor from the period gave Petersen the impetus to launch A Minor Consideration, which called attention to the plight of many former child performers while ensuring the safety and well-being of those currently in the business. For his work in that field, Petersen became the leading voice for the care of young talent in Hollywood.