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Leave it to Beaver actor Tony Dow is officially confirmed to have died at the age of 77. After premature reports that Dow had passed away, his son Chris said yesterday that the actor was still alive but in hospice care and in his final hours. Dow was diagnosed with Cancer in May and suffered from complications of the disease. The Hollywood Reporter says that the premature reports stemmed from a Facebook post from reps Frank Bilotta and Renee James claiming that Dow died on Tuesday morning. Dow’s manager said that the ensuing reports caused great distress for Dow’s wife, Lauren, who believed her husband had died without her knowing.
New Facebook Post Confirms Tony Dow’s Death After Premature Reports
Deadline reports that a new Facebook post has been created to confirm Dow’s passing respectfully. The post reads:
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. 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.”
Remembering the ‘Leave it to Beaver’ Actor
While actor Tony Dow made appearances in many shows, he will forever be known for playing Wally Cleaver, the protective elder brother to Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver on Leave it to Beaver. Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver, expressed his grief on Facebook, saying, “Tony was not only my brother on TV, but in many ways in life as well. He leaves an empty place in my heart that won’t be filled.”
Dow also appeared in shows such as My Three Sons, Dr. Kildare and Mr. Novak. His death occurs the same year as My Three Sons star Tim Considine.
Later in life, Dow turned toward directing, his first directorial credit being an episode of The New Lassie. Other credits include Get a Life, Harry and the Hendersons, Coach, Babylon 5, Crusade, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
The actor also suffered from clinical depression. He told CBS This Morning earlier this year, “Depression isn’t something you can say ‘cheer up’ about.” Citing lack of control on Leave it to Beaver making him Angry, Dow said, “Anger, if it’s untreated, turns into depression. Anger turned inward.”
The Nerd Stash sends condolences to all of Leave it to Beaver actor Tony Dow’s family, especially his wife Lauren of 42 years.
