“Leave It To Beaver” actor Tony Dow, who played Wally Cleaver on the popular sitcom, has died after a battle with cancer, his manager Frank Bilotta confirmed to USA TODAY on Wednesday. He was 77 years old.
“We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away this morning, with his loving family by his side to accompany him on this journey.” read a post from Dow’s official Facebook page. “We know the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to all of us and was loved by so many.”
Dow’s son said he has “comfort and peace that he is in a better place.”
“He was the best dad anyone could ask for,” Christopher’s statement read. “He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man at my wedding and my hero. My wife said something powerful and it shows the kind of man he was. She said, ‘Tony was such a kind man. He had a big heart and I never heard Tony say anything bad or negative about anyone.” “
His death comes a day after Dow manager Bilotta initially told USA TODAY on Tuesday that the actor “passed away from cancer” and announced the news on Dow Facebook Page. It was later revealed through reports from Dow’s family that she was in hospice care and the Facebook post was removed.
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In the now-deleted statement, Bilotta and James shared: “Tony was a beautiful soul: kind, compassionate, funny and humble. I can’t help but love him,” they added.
“The world has lost an incredible human being, but we are all richer for the memories he has left us. From the warm memories of Wally Cleaver to those of us lucky enough to know him personally, thank you Tony. And thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship and the feeling that you were a big brother to all of us,” the post read.
In the hit sitcom “Leave It to Beaver,” which ran on CBS and then ABC from 1957 to 1963, Wally was Ward and June’s eldest son, a more direct contrast to the more quirky lead character of Theodore.” Beaver” Cleaver (Jerry Mathers). A popular jock, Wally was also drawn into the schemes of his friend, the mischievous and good-natured Eddie Haskell (Ken Osmond).
“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 will not be filled,” Mathers said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “Tony was always the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere and humble man, and it was an honor and a privilege for me to be able to share memories with him for 65 years.”
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News of his death comes less than three months after the actor and his wife, Lauren Shulkind, released a joint statement sharing the “very sad news” of his cancer diagnosis, though they did not reveal details of the illness.
“Dear friends and fans of Tony Dow, I have very sad news to share with you. Unfortunately, Tony has been re-diagnosed with cancer. He is approaching this reality so bravely, but it is truly heartbreaking,” the joint statement read. .
Dow was diagnosed with prostate and gallbladder cancer, according to The Associated Press.
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Dow’s “Beaver” co-star Mathers had updated fans on Dow’s cancer battle on July 21, asking for “prayers and healing.”
It included a note from Dow’s Facebook page, saying his illness had been a “roller coaster of ups and downs” with Dow “in and out of the hospital with various complications and treatments.”
The actor-director has been public about previous health issues. In August he was hospitalized with pneumonia, Bilotta confirmed at the time.
Dow later reprized his role as Wally in a “Beaver” spinoff from 1983 to 1989. He also directed several episodes of 1993’s “Babylon 5” along with 1999 episodes of “Crusade” and “Star Trek: Deep Space.” Nine”.
Dow’s death leaves Mathers and Rusty Stevens, who played Beaver’s friend Larry Mondello, as the only surviving members of the show’s main cast. Beaumont died in 1982. Barbara Billingsley, who played mother June Cleaver, died in 2010. Ken Osmond, who played Haskell, died in 2020.
The actor, whose real name is Anthony Lee Dow, starred in a variety of television series as a child and was involved with A Minor Consideration, a nonprofit foundation to support child actors.
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In 2017, Dow reflected on his acting career and celebrated the 60th anniversary of “Leave It To Beaver” in an interview with the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
“It’s nice to be remembered in any way you can, so I’ve done it,” Dow said at the time. “I appreciate the show much more. I wasn’t ungrateful, but I was always a bit of a rebel.”
Dow is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lauren, son Christopher, daughter-in-law Melissa, and brother Dion.
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Contributors: Elise Brisco, Jenna Ryu, Erin Jensen, Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY; Andrew Dalton, Associated Press
