From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia George Alan Cleveland September 17 1885 July 15 1957 was a Canadian film actor He appeared in more than 180 films between 1933 and 1954 Cleveland is perhaps best remembered today as George Gramps Miller in the early years of the long running US series Lassie The early seasons in which Cleveland appeared were retitled Jeffs Collie for syndicated reruns and DVD release He played the grumpy butkind hearted fatherinlaw of farm woman Ellen Miller Jan Clayton and grandfather of Lassies owner Jeff Tommy Rettig Cleveland appeared in the first three seasons 19541956 and in the first 12 episodes of the fourth season 1957 His death in July 1957 was written into the 13th episode of the fourth season 1957 and became the storyline motive for the selling of the farm and the departure of the Millers for Capitol City