09-04-2025
‘Lassie' Child Star Joey Vieira Dies
"Lassie" stars Tommy Rettig (left), George Cleveland and Jan Clayton (top), and Joey Vieria (aka ... More Donald Keeler) in the middle.
Joseph Vieira, the former child actor who appeared on Lassie using the stage name Donald Keeler, died on April 7 after a lengthy illness. He was one day short of turning 81.
'We have just lost Joey Vieira (aka Donald Keeler) who played Porky, Tommy Rettig's best buddy on the first incarnation of Lassie (Jeff's Collie), wrote Laurie Jacobson, the wife of Lassie star Jon Provost on Facebook. 'Joey appeared in a number of TV shows and films after his time on Lassie. And later had a brilliant career as a record producer and TV writer and producer. He wore a lot of hats in his 50+ years in the business; but the most important "hat" for us was that of dear friend."
Born April 8, 1944, Joey Vieira was the nephew of actress, dancer and singer Ruby Keeler and the half-brother of actor Ken Weatherwax, who played Pugsley Addams in the original Addams Family sitcom. His first appearance on television was in an episode of The Ray Milland Show at age nine in 1953. One year later, he began his four-season stint on Lassie as the beanie-wearing Sylvester 'Porky' Brockway.
Following Lassie, Vieira guest-starred in numerous series including comedies The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and My Three Sons before landing a recurring role in the 1965 to 1966 sitcom Hank.
Vieira's film appearances included The Private War of Major Benson in 1955 with Charlton Heston and, in later years, The Patriot in 2000 with Mel Gibson. As an adult, Vieira made sporadic guest appearances in TV series including Remington Steele, Married with Children and Moonlighting.
Vieira also had a music career in the 1970s and 1980s.
'I met Joey when I was seven years old, when I started Lassie, we hit it off and remained friends forever,' wrote Jon Provost on Facebook. 'Joey was a great guy, a talented actor and even a successful record producer. Joey has joined his son Beau in heaven.'
Top - George Cleveland, unknown, Joey Vieria and Jan Clayton. Bottom: Jon Provost and, of course, ... More Lassie.
'He passed at 11:52 last night after a lengthy illness. His devoted daughter, Shanyn, was by his side. He suffered the loss of his sweet and wonderful son, Beau, to cancer close to 2 years ago. I know Beau will be the first to greet him with Tommy right behind,' continued Laurie Jacobson on Facebook. 'Dear Joey, you were one of a kind and we will miss you so much. Eee-ya- keee, Porky! RIP'
