A collie barks. “What’s that, girl? Timmy’s in the well?” Whenever fans hear the familiar catch phrase, they know it’s Timmy and Lassie, the world’s favorite boy-and-dog team. Actor Jon Provost (Timmy Martin) has become a household name in 125 countries. The fall of 2007 marks the 50^th anniversary of Jon’s debut as Timmy – perfect timing for the publication of his autobiography, Timmy’s in the Well: The Jon Provost Story.

Jon was already a seasoned professional when he won the role of Timmy at age 7, having appeared in 10 films and live television shows with stars like Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Jane Wyman, Rod Steiger, Anita Ekberg and Kim Novak. After his debut on “Lassie,” top Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons declared, “It’s the consensus that Jon is one of the best child stars since Shirley Temple,” while the NY Film Critics named him the top kid movie actor of 1958. Yet, while Jon was part of an idyllic television family, his own family was breaking down due to the pressures and alienation of his skyrocketing career. Jon’s parents, sister and brother are deeply and irrevocably affected in ways most of us never even consider.

Provost’s story paints a vivid picture of 1950s Hollywood, the collapse of the studio system and the burgeoning industry of television. He carries us into the rock and roll ‘60s, the Sunset Strip and a life as far away from the Martin farm as he could get, peppered with names like Jack Benny, Bob Hope, June Lockhart, Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley, Natalie Wood, Robert Redford, Kurt Russell, Sal Mineo, David Cassidy, Davy Jones and even Mr. Ed, the lovable talking horse.

Jon’s remembrances, combined with more than 150 interviews with his coworkers, peers, friends, fans and lovers give a richly detailed account of what it was like to grow up in the Hollywood spotlight. At age 20, Jon broke free and started a new life, studying for a degree in psychology and working in special education. Today, he’s known as a philanthropist and has given his time to a wide variety of causes, especially Canine Companions for Independence. In 1989-1990, Jon returned to television as Timmy all grown up in "The New Lassie" with Dee Wallace Stone.

Timmy’s in the Well is a fascinating read that offer’s an insider’s view of Hollywood, as well as the low down on one of television’s most enduring shows. Fans of Timmy and Lassie will pour over the rarities: invitations, snapshots, tickets stubs and dozens of behind-the-scenes photos.

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