Johnny Washbrook: From "My Friend Flicka" Star To Real Life Now

Joyce Crist 08 May 2025

Ever wonder what happened to the young stars of yesteryear? Many fade from the limelight, but some carve out unexpected second acts, like Johnny Washbrook.

For those who grew up in the 1950s and 60s, the name Johnny Washbrook likely conjures up images of a young boy and his beloved horse, Flicka. He was the face of Ken McLaughlin in the popular television series "My Friend Flicka," a role that catapulted him to child stardom. The show, based on Mary O'Hara's novel, captivated audiences with its heartwarming stories of a boy's bond with his horse and the challenges of ranch life. Gene Evans played his father, horse rancher Rob McLaughlin, and Anita Louise was his wife Nell McLaughlin. Washbrook, born John Johnny Washbrook on October 16, 1944, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, embodied the spirit of young Ken, and the adventures they shared became a cherished part of many childhoods. The series, originally broadcast from 1956-1957 on CBS, saw Washbrook audition for the role and, after a period getting acquainted with the horse who would play Flicka, securing the part on his mother's birthday. Frank Ferguson played their ranch hand Gus Broeberg, and Pamela Beaird had a recurring role as Hildy Broeberg, the niece of Gus. The stories dealt with the struggles of earning a living as a rancher, and problems that arose.

Category	Information
Full Name	John Johnny Washbrook
Date of Birth	October 16, 1944
Place of Birth	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Occupation	Actor (former), Banker (retired)
Known For	Playing Ken McLaughlin in "My Friend Flicka"
Spouse	Joy Lebeck (married October 10, 1976)
Filmography Highlights	My Friend Flicka (1955-1957) The DuPont Show of the Month (1957) The Space Children (1958)
Later Career	Senior Vice President at Edgartown National Bank (retired)
Other Interests	Reliving acting experience in martha's vineyard playhouse
Reference	TV Guide Biography

But what happened after the cameras stopped rolling? Washbrook didn't follow the typical child star trajectory. While he continued to act for a few years, appearing in "The DuPont Show of the Month" (1957) and "The Space Children" (1958), he eventually chose a different path. He traded the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for the world of finance. Many were surprised to learn that the boy who once roamed the open ranges on horseback later became a senior vice president at Edgartown National Bank. Yes, after years in the spotlight, Johnny Washbrook, the former child actor, quietly transitioned into a successful banking career. It's a testament to the fact that life can take unexpected turns, and individuals can reinvent themselves in remarkable ways.

Washbrook's connection to "My Friend Flicka" remained strong throughout his life. He fondly recalls his time on the show and the bond he shared with the horse who played Flicka. As he noted, "I refer to my friend as Flicka, not Wahana, since with the filming of the series her name was changed in the sense that everyone always called her Flicka. And I really did love hershe was a great horse!" This genuine affection for the animal and the role is evident in his performances and the enduring appeal of the series.

Even after retiring from banking, Washbrook hasn't completely left the world of entertainment. He occasionally revisits his past, sharing stories and memories of his time as a child actor. He recently relived his experience as johnny washbrook, a child actor on the beloved television show my friend flicka, at the Marthas Vineyard Playhouse, reminding audiences of the magic he once brought to their living rooms. The first time john washbrook came to marthas vineyard was 1973.

Johnny Washbrook's journey is a reminder that success can be defined in many ways. He is known for playing the role of Ken McLaughlin in the American western television series "My Friend Flicka." While his early fame brought him recognition and adoration, his later career in banking showcases his adaptability and determination. He proved that a child star could successfully transition into a completely different field and find fulfillment in a new profession. In "Steve," directed by Frederick De Cordova, Steve (Fred MacMurray) is cast in the role of marriage counselor by a young couple (Johnny Washbrook and Beverly Lunsford), who turn to him for help.

Beyond the screen and the bank, Washbrook is a family man. He has been married to Joy Lebeck since October 10, 1976, marking a long and enduring partnership. His personal life, like his career, reflects stability and commitment. Take john washbrook, if you were to pigeonhole him as someone who just retired after 35 years of banking, youd only be getting half the story. Thats because prior to retiring from the Edgartown National Bank, Washbrook's life wasn't confined to the set. During the height of "My Friend Flicka," he made numerous personal appearances, particularly throughout California. These appearances, including an autograph signing he attended with his mother and older brother Don in 1956 at Belmont Park in San Diego, allowed him to connect with fans and experience the impact of his work firsthand.

Washbrook's portrayal of Ken McLaughlin remains a significant part of television history. He brought a sense of innocence and authenticity to the role, capturing the hearts of viewers young and old. The series itself, with its focus on family values and the importance of the human-animal bond, continues to resonate with audiences today. Toronto, Canada, born Johnny Washbrook essayed the role of young Ken McLaughlin (played in the films by Roddy McDowall) and the late Gene Evans was his father, Rob (Preston Foster in the films). If you grew up in the 1950s or 1960s, you probably watched many of the exciting adventures of Ken and Flicka right in your own living room. On Disney general entertainment content via Getty Images, based on Mary O'Hara's novel, Johnny Washbrook played Ken McLaughlin and Flicka was played.

Looking back at his career, it's clear that Johnny Washbrook's story is one of transformation and reinvention. He embraced his early success but wasn't defined by it. He found a new passion, pursued it diligently, and built a fulfilling life outside of the spotlight. His journey serves as an inspiration to those who believe that it's never too late to change course and pursue new dreams. His early work includes filmography highlights such as The Dupont Show of the Month (1957), My Friend Flicka (1955) and The Space Children (1958). He is known for playing the role of ken mclaughlin in the american western television series my friend flicka, [2][3].

Ken McLaughlin, the main character of "My Friend Flicka", was played by child actor Johnny Washbrook in the television series. Today, you can still find glimpses of his past work. See Johnny Washbrook full list of movies and TV shows from their career. Find where to watch Johnny Washbrook's latest movies and TV shows. Read all about Johnny Washbrook with TV Guide's exclusive biography including their list of awards, celeb facts and more at TV Guide. Browse 17 Johnny Washbrook photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images.

80 years biography, photo, best movies and tv shows, news, birthday and age. Johnny Washbrook made many personal appearancesespecially throughout Californiaduring the heyday of the My Friend Flicka series. Among them was an autograph signing he attended with his mother and older brother Don in 1956 on the stage at Belmont Parkthe large amusement park on the beach at Mission Beach in San Diego.