Claude Jarman Jr., Beloved Child Star of ‘The Yearling,’ Dies at 90

Claude Jarman Jr., the child actor who gained early fame for his role in the 1946 classic The Yearling, died on January 12, 2025, at the age of 90. His family confirmed he passed away from natural causes. He died peacefully, leaving behind a legacy built on talent, integrity, and a lifelong connection to the arts.

Born on September 27, 1934, in Nashville, Tennessee, Jarman was discovered at age 10 while attending a local school. MGM talent scouts noticed him during a citywide search for a young actor to star in The Yearling, based on Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. His performance as Jody Baxter, a boy navigating hardship and family bonds in post-Civil War Florida, captured hearts around the world.

For his role, Jarman received a special Juvenile Academy Award, given to outstanding young performers at the time. The film was a major success and earned seven Oscar nominations, firmly placing Jarman among Hollywood’s most promising young talents. His natural, emotionally expressive acting stood out in an era when child stars were often limited to light, comedic roles.

Following the success of The Yearling, Jarman signed a contract with MGM and appeared in several films over the next few years, including High Barbaree (1947), Intruder in the Dust (1949), and Rio Grande (1950), in which he acted alongside John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. However, as he grew older, he began to lose interest in pursuing acting as a lifelong career.

In the mid-1950s, Jarman stepped away from the film industry and returned to Tennessee. He later attended Vanderbilt University, focusing on academics and building a life outside of the spotlight. Despite leaving Hollywood, he remained connected to the arts through programming and leadership roles. From 1965 to 1980, he served as the executive director of the San Francisco International Film Festival, where he helped expand its reputation and international standing.

Jarman also returned briefly to acting in the 1970s and wrote a memoir, reflecting on his unusual path from child stardom to adult life. His book offered rare insights into the pressures of early fame and the importance of personal choice and resilience.

Throughout his life, Jarman was admired for his humility and grace. Unlike many child stars of his era, he managed a smooth transition away from fame without scandal or public struggles. Friends and colleagues remembered him as thoughtful, kind, and always dedicated to supporting the arts.

Claude Jarman Jr. is survived by his children and grandchildren. His family shared that he passed peacefully and was surrounded by love in his final days. They expressed gratitude for the many fans who remembered his work and legacy.

A private memorial is being planned. His performance in The Yearling remains one of the most powerful child roles in cinema history, and his contributions to film, both onscreen and behind the scenes, continue to be recognized and respected.