Lee Aaker


Lee William Aaker is an American former child actor known for his appearance as Rusty of "B-Company" in the 1950s television program The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin.

Early years

Aaker's mother, Mrs. Myles Wilbour, was the owner of a dancing school in Los Angeles.

Film

On television as a young child, he started appearing uncredited at the age of 8 in films such as The Greatest Show on Earth and High Noon. He quickly moved to featured status by the end of that year.
He showed talent as the kidnapped Indian "Red Chief" in a segment of the film O. Henry's Full House and another kidnap victim as the son of scientist Gene Barry in The Atomic City.
In 1953, he co-starred in the John Wayne western classic Hondo as the curious blond son of homesteader Geraldine Page.
He also appeared in other film styles such as the film noir thriller Jeopardy with Barbara Stanwyck, the horse opera drama Arena with Gig Young, and the comedies Mister Scoutmaster with Clifton Webb and Ricochet Romance with Marjorie Main.

Television

In 1953-54, Aaker was among the many child actors who auditioned for the role of "Jeff Miller" on the original 1954 Lassie series, which later aired as Jeff's Collie. That role went to Tommy Rettig. Two weeks later, Aaker won the role of "Rusty" on The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin, co-starring James Brown as Lieutenant Ripley "Rip" Masters. Aaker and Rettig were friends, and both shows were popular with audiences. The two actors and the two star dogs appeared together in a photograph used on the cover of the July 2, 1955 issue of TV Guide.

Later years

Aaker told a newspaper reporter that when he reached the age of 21, he was paid a $10,000 lump sum by the studio that produced Rin Tin Tin "and he spent the rest of the '60s traveling around the world 'as sort of a flower child.'" Unable to find work as an adult actor, Aaker got involved as a producer and later worked as a carpenter.

Personal life

In the late 1960s, Aaker was married to Sharon Ann Hamilton for two years. He has resided in Mammoth Lakes, California, for many years and is a special-needs ski instructor.

Recognition

In 2005, Aaker won the Golden Boot Award as Kids of the West.

Filmography

Film

Television