Lee William Aaker

On television as a young child, he started appearing unbilled at the age of 8 in films such as The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) and High Noon (1952). 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 (1952) and another kidnap victim as the son of scientist Gene Barry in The Atomic City (1952).

In 1953 he co-starred in the John Wayne western classic Hondo (1953) as the curious blond son of homesteader Geraldine Page.

He also appeared in other film styles such as the film noir thriller Jeopardy (1953) with Barbara Stanwyck, the hoss opera drama Arena (1953) with Gig Young and the comedies Mister Scoutmaster (1953) with Clifton Webb and Ricochet Romance (1954) with Marjorie Main.

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 (1920–1992) as Lieutenant Ripley "Rip" Masters. Aaker and Rettig were friends, and both shows were popular with audiences.

Unable to find work as an adult actor, Aaker got involved as a producer and later worked as a carpenter.

Lee Aaker has resided in Mammoth Lakes, California, for many years and is a special needs ski instructor.

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