Tony Dow, 'Leave It to Beaver' Star, Dead at 77
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Representatives for Dow confirmed his passing in a Facebook statement this morning.
TV actor Tony Dow has died, according to a statement made by representatives for the family.
Dow, who became an instant household name for his role as Wally Cleaver—the protective older brother to Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver (played by Jerry Mathers)—in the '50s ABC sitcom Leave It To Beaver passed away from complications related to his ongoing battle with cancer.
"We have received confirmation from Christopher [Dow], Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey," the social post read.
The message, which was shared to Dow's official Facebook page, also included a statement from his son: "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 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.'”
As you may recall, the star was inaccurately reported as dead yesterday morning, after a miscommunication between those close to him.
The premature news of the 77-year-old actor's passing broke during the early morning hours of July 26 when multiple news outlets reported on a statement shared to Dow's official Facebook page which claimed that the actor had sadly lost his battle with cancer.
However, at the time, Dow was still alive and in hospice according to a recent interview with ABC7's entertainment reporter George Pennacchio.
"UPDATE: Tony Dow is still alive. I had a conversation with his wife, Lauren [Shulkind]," Pennacchio penned on Facebook.
"She is understandably distraught and grief-stricken about what's been going on with Tony's health battle these past months. He's been in hospice care at their home, and based on some health issues overnight, Lauren inferred that Tony had passed away to some people close to her and the word quickly spread. Lauren admits she's been 'a little fuzzy' these days—understandable."
He continued: "She told me she now feels 'foolish' about what has transpired since his death has been reported around the world. She also told me, through her pain, 'it is of my own doing.' I told her we know it's been a very stressful time and people understand overwhelming grief. Lauren says she 'loves and adores' her husband of 42 years with all of her heart."
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According to Deadline, the original statement read:
"It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share with you the passing of our beloved Tony this morning. 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. The world has lost an amazing human being, but we are all richer for the memories that he has left us. From the warm reminiscences of Wally Cleaver to those of us fortunate enough to know him personally – thank you Tony. And thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship and for the feeling that you were a big brother to us all. We will miss you."
The statement has since been deleted, but not before it could cause a whirlwind of commotion with the public.
Dow's manager, Frank Bilotta, originally confirmed to The Washington Post that the actor had passed away after complications related to liver cancer at his Topanga, California home on July 26. Former co-star, Jerry Mathers, also mistakenly confirmed the devastating news about the former sitcom star and commemorated their friendship with a photo and heartfelt message in a since-deleted Facebook post.
"It is with the utmost sadness I learned this morning of my co-star and lifelong friend Tony Dow’s passing," Mathers wrote.
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"He was not only my brother on tv, but in many ways in life as well. Tony leaves an empty place in my heart that won’t be filled. He was always the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere, and humble man, that it was my honor and privilege to be able to share memories together with for 65 years. Tony was so grateful for all of the love and support from our fans across the world. My wife Teresa and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Lauren, his family and to all of those who knew and loved him. The world may have lost a star today, but the heavens gained another."
Dow is survived by his wife Lauren, his son Christopher, daughter-in-law Melissa, a granddaughter, and his brother Dion.
