Career
On television as a young child, he started appearing uncredited 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 horse opera drama Arena (1953) with Gig Young, and the comedies Mister Scoutmaster (1953) with Clifton Webb and Ricochet Romance (1954) with Marjorie Main. In 1953-1954, 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. 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.