Jennifer Leek, the first wife of Tim Matheson, passed away at the age of 76 on March 18 at her home in Jupiter, Florida. Leak battled progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disease, in her final years.
Jennifer Leek was an extraordinary woman who was strong, lovely and incredibly talented. She met Tim Matheson while playing half-siblings in the 1968 film Yours, Mine and Ours. In the film, Matheson portrayed Mike, the son of Henry Fonda’s character, while Leake played Colleen, the daughter of Lucille Ball’s character. The film revolved around a blended family of 18 children.
Born in Cardiff, Wales in 1947, Leake began her film career in the mid-1960s with the pilot for Wojciech directed by Mike Nichols. She later appeared in soap operas such as The Young and the Restless, Another World and Guiding Light.
Leak transitioned to a career in real estate in the mid-1980s after largely retiring from acting. She was married to Matheson from 1968 to 1971 and then married James D’Auria in 1977. She is survived by her husband James D’Auria and her brother.
Matheson shared a tribute to Leek on Facebook, remembering her as an exceptional woman who had made a significant impact on his life and many others. He extended his deepest condolences to her husband of 47 years and their many friends who were also deeply affected by her passing