Tony Dow, Leave It to Beaver 's Wally Cleaver, dies at 77
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Tony Dow, the director, producer, and actor best known for playing eldest son Wally Cleaver on the 1950s sitcom Leave It to Beaver, died Wednesday morning. He was 77.
Reports of Dow's death initially surfaced Tuesday after an erroneous statement attributed to his management team was posted on the actor's official Facebook page saying he died that morning. Dow's family later clarified that he was still alive and breathing, though in "his last hours" in hospice care.
New statements were released on Dow's social media on Wednesday, confirming his passing.
"We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony's son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey," the statement reads. "We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many. One fan said it best — 'It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony.'"
John M. Heller/Getty Images Tony Dow, best known for playing Wally Cleaver on 'Leave It to Beaver,' died at the age of 77.
"Our heart goes out to Tony's wife, Lauren, who will miss her soulmate of 42 years…" the statement continues. "To his son, Christopher, who will dearly miss his father, who was also his best friend…to his daughter-in-law, Melissa, who loved him like her own father…To his Granddaughter, Tyla, who will undoubtedly carry on her Grandfather's kind soul, To his Brother Dion and Sister-in-Law, Judy, and to all of his extended family and friends. Words cannot express how much we will all feel his absence, but will cherish the memories he left to each and every one of us."
Christopher released a separate statement to accompany the news. "Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. He was the best Dad anyone could ask for," he says. "He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero. My wife said something powerful and shows the kind of man he was. She said: 'Tony was such a kind man. He had such a huge heart and I've never heard Tony say a bad or negative thing about anyone.' "
Born April 13, 1945, Dow started playing Wally on Leave It to Beaver at age 12, a part he landed from a casting call with little acting experience. As a kid, Dow was training to be a competitive swimmer when he accompanied his coach to an audition. The coach didn't get a part, but Dow received an offer to become Wally, the all-American older brother of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver, played by Jerry Mathers.
In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning that aired earlier this year, Dow opened up about his Leave It to Beaver experience and said it left him with feelings of anger and depression.
Everett Collection 'Leave It to Beaver' star Tony Dow died at the age of 77.
"From the age of 11 or 12, I was being told what to do. I was told on the set, I was told at home. I didn't have control of my life," he said. Dow didn't think his existence would be defined by Leave It to Beaver, but he said it did. "I was gonna have to live with it for the rest of my life. I thought, 'This isn't fair.' I'd like to do some other stuff, I'd like to do some interesting stuff. It's sad to be famous at 12 years old, and then you grow up and become a real person, and nothing's happened for you."
He added, "If left untreated, anger turns to depression. But depression isn't something you can say 'cheer up' about. It's a very powerful thing, and it's had a lot of effect on my life."
It wasn't until the age of 40 when he said he came to appreciate the legacy of Leave It to Beaver and the opportunity it afforded him.
Dow would act for years to come on shows like General Hospital, Lassie, The Mod Squad, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. He also found success as a producer and director, helming episodes of Harry and the Hendersons, Swamp Thing, Babylon 5, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show, and more.
In his recent CBS interview, Dow also showcased the sculpting work he'd done at home that helped him cope with depression. "I've got it under control, pretty much," he said at the time. "I think people should take the leap of faith that they can feel better."
Editor's note: A previous version of this article erroneously reported that Dow had died the morning of July 26.
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