Editor's Note: Tony Dow's management team has removed its statement that the “Leave It to Beaver” star died. Dow's son told People magazine Tuesday that his father was alive “but in his last hours. Under hospice care.” We sincerely regret the error.
Actor Tony Dow, best known for playing Wally Cleaver, the older brother of Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on the iconic American sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” has died.
He was 77.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share with you the passing of our beloved Tony this morning,” Frank Bilotta and Renee James, Dow's managers, announced in a statement. “Tony was a beautiful soul – kind, compassionate, funny and humble. It was truly a joy to just be around him. His gentle voice and unpretentious manner was immediately comforting and you could not help but love him.
No cause of death was shared, but Dow revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Dow was thrust into stardom at age 12, when he was cast on the soon-to-be-smash sitcom “Leave It to Beaver.” In the role, Dow helped create the archetype of a suburban nuclear family and became a household name to millions of viewers. The show ran from 1957 to 1963.
In a January interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Dow recalled learning over a hamburger and malt that he was offered the part after auditioning on a whim.
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God bless Wally & the Beaver! RIP, Tony.
Looks like another victim from the JAB! Death Jab that is…
R.I.P. and God Bless Tony’s family and Friends!
RIP Tony Dow, better known as Wally Cleaver. My sincere condolences to your family and friends. I came late to watching your show being borne in England, but I watched many episodes, when I came to the States. Gone but not forgotten, ever!
Not dead yet… in hospice at home per his son.