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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. Dowโs manager said that the ensuing reports caused great distress for Dowโs wife, Lauren, who believed her husband had died without her knowing.
New Facebook Post Confirms Tony Dowโs Death After Premature Reports
Deadline reports that a new Facebook post has been created to confirm Dowโs passing respectfully. The post reads:
We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tonyโs 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 bestโโIt is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony.โ
Remembering the โLeave it to Beaverโ 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 โBeaverโ Cleaver on Leave it to Beaver. Jerry Mathers, who played Beaver, expressed his grief on Facebook, saying, โTony was not only my brother on TV, but in many ways in life as well. He leaves an empty place in my heart that wonโt be filled.โ
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, โDepression isnโt something you can say โcheer upโ about.โ Citing lack of control on Leave it to Beaver making him Angry, Dow said, โAnger, if itโs untreated, turns into depression. Anger turned inward.โ
The Nerd Stash sends condolences to all of Leave it to Beaver actor Tony Dowโs family, especially his wife Lauren of 42 years.