Remembering Joey D. Vieira: The Beloved Porky from Lassie

Joey D. Vieira, renowned for his portrayal of Sylvester “Porky” Brockway on the iconic CBS series Lassie, has passed away at the age of 80. Vieira died on Monday, just one day shy of his birthday, while in hospice care. His co-star, Jon Provost, shared the news on Facebook.

A Career Spanning Film and Television

Beyond his memorable role in Lassie, Vieira’s impressive career included appearances in notable films such as Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), Red Heat (1988), The Patriot (2000), and Nebraska (2001).

The Role of a Lifetime

Under the stage name Donald Keeler—reflecting his connection to the famous Ruby Keeler—Vieira graced 91 episodes of Lassie from 1954 to 1957. Initially, the show followed the Miller family, featuring Tommy Rettig as Jeff, Jan Clayton as his mother Ellen, and George Cleveland as Gramps, living on a farm alongside their beloved collie.

Porky, who had his own companion—a basset hound named Pokey—was often seen in a signature beanie, humorously struggling to keep pace with his friends Jeff and Lassie. The series expanded to include Provost as Timmy Martin in 1957.

Life After Lassie

Following his tenure on Lassie, which would continue for another 15 seasons, Vieira appeared in various television series, including The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, Shirley Temple’s Storybook, and My Three Sons, typically playing characters similar to his beloved Porky.

In a 1982 interview, Vieira candidly expressed his fatigue with repeatedly delivering the same lines, remarking, “I can’t tell you how tired I got saying those same lines over and over again. Finally, I decided that I’d had it with the tennis shoes and the beanie.” He even spent a transformative year living in England.

Upon returning to California, Vieira shed over 50 pounds, only to regain the weight in 1965 for a role in the NBC sitcom Hank, created by Garry Marshall and Jerry Belson, which aired for a single season.

A Glimpse into His Early Life

Born Joseph Douglas Vieira on April 8, 1944, in Los Angeles, he came from a family steeped in the entertainment industry. His father, William McAllister Weatherwax, was an animal trainer, while his mother, Marjorie, was Rubin Keeler’s sister. Notably, his half-brother Ken Weatherwax portrayed Pugsley in the classic show The Addams Family (1964-66).

Vieira made his television debut at age 10 on Meet Mr. McNutley, a CBS sitcom featuring Ray Milland, before landing a recurring role on The Pride of the Family with Fay Wray and Paul Hartman. His breakthrough came when he was cast in Lassie, which was developed by producer Robert Maxwell and his uncle, animal trainer Rudd Weatherwax.

A Multifaceted Talent

Vieira’s impressive resume also includes roles in films such as The Private War of Major Benson (1955), Evel Knievel (1971), and Free Enterprise (1998), as well as guest appearances on shows like Remington Steele, Married … With Children, and Moonlighting. In addition to acting, he ventured into music as a record producer, composer, director of television commercials, and corporate promo videos.

Legacy and Survivors

Joey D. Vieira is survived by his daughter, Shanyn. Tragically, his son, Beau, succumbed to cancer earlier this year in 2023.

For more details, visit the Hollywood Reporter.