Overview

Thomas William Lester (September 23, 1938 – April 20, 2020) was an American actor and evangelist. He became widely recognized for portraying the young farmhand Eb Dawson on the 1960s television sitcom Green Acres (Green Acres being the series title). Over a career that mixed television, film and public ministry, Lester remained associated with the gentle, rural comic persona that made his best-known role memorable.

Screen career and notable roles

Lester's screen work was concentrated in television and a handful of family films. His performance as Eb Dawson — a loyal, straightforward farm assistant — made him a recognizable supporting player during the run of the sitcom. He also appeared in family-oriented feature movies, including the animal-centered films Gordy and Benji. Through these parts he became part of several popular strands of mid-20th-century American entertainment: rural sitcoms and wholesome family pictures.

  • Eb Dawson — Green Acres ( television role )
  • Gordy — feature film appearance
  • Benji — supporting film role

Later life, ministry and public presence

Outside acting, Lester was known for his Christian faith and for speaking engagements that combined personal testimony with outreach. He traveled for appearances, participated in fan events related to his television work, and spoke on faith and values in public settings. This blend of entertainment and ministry shaped his public identity in later decades.

Death and legacy

Tom Lester died on April 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee, from complications related to Parkinson's disease. He was 81. Fans and colleagues remembered him for the warmth of the characters he played and for his commitment to his faith and public outreach. His role on Green Acres continues to be cited as a classic example of the farmhand sidekick in American television comedy.

For those exploring mid-century television, Lester's career provides a compact example of how a supporting actor can become a cultural touchstone: through a single memorable role, steady work in family films, and a public life that extended beyond the screen. Further reading and archival material on his work and appearances can be found through dedicated television history resources and fan archives. Actor biographies, ministry records and filmographies often collect additional details about his performances and public engagements.