Joey D. Vieira, who found fame as a child star playing the farm boy Sylvester “Porky” Brockway on the first four seasons of the classic TV series Lassie, and who also appeared in Ferris Bueller's Day Off, has died at the age of 80. The actor died on Monday (April 7) in hospice care but his death is only being made public now. No cause of death has been issued. The sad news was confirmed by his Lassie co-star Jon Provost who announced it on Facebook.

"What a hell of a week it's been. An original Lassie cast member, Joey Vieira, "Porky", passed last night. I received a call from his daughter Shanyn that he entered hospice a couple of days ago. I met Joey when I was seven years old when I started Lassie, we hit it off and remain friends forever. Joey was a great guy, a talented actor and even a successful record producer. Joey has joined his son Beau in heaven," Jon wrote.

Fans were saddened by the news and took to the comments to share their condolences under the announcement. "I so enjoyed him as Porky on the show. Just a real cute kid," one penned.

"May he rest well. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Jon; and my deepest condolences to his family," another wrote.

A third chimed in: "So sorry to hear the passing of Joey “Porky”. I always enjoyed watching him on Lassie. RIP."

"As an overweight child, I identified with both Larry Mondelo and Porky. We're all in the line awaiting heaven. God be with you in all comfort and good memories of your friend," a fourth commented.

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