Tony Dow, best known for his role as Wally Cleaver in the legendary 1950s television series Leave It to Beaver, died on Wednesday morning, his family confirmed in a statement on his official Facebook page. He was 77 years old.
“Tony passed away this morning, with his loving family by his side to accompany him on this journey,” the statement said. “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.”
Cast of the television show Leave It To Beaver, circa 1959. Clockwise (from top): Tony Dow, Hugh Beaumont, Jerry Mathers and Barbara Billingsley. Getty Images
Dow had been in hospice care after a cancer recurrence. His death was widely reported on Tuesday after a previous Facebook post shared on his page said he had passed away. But the post was soon removed and later replaced with a note explaining that Dow’s “very distraught” wife asked that the news be shared with his fans too soon and that “Tony may not be well, but not passed yet.”
Wednesday’s new statement read: “We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away this morning.”
Dear family, friends and fans We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier…
Posted by Tony Dow on Wednesday July 27th, 2022
Previous posts said the actor has been “in and out of the hospital” after being diagnosed with cancer a few months ago.
“He’s approaching this reality so bravely, but it’s really heartbreaking,” read a statement on his diagnosis released May 5.
Dow was just 12 years old when he began starring as big brother Wally Cleaver in the television series, which depicts an idealistic version of mid-century American life. “Leave It to Beaver” premiered in 1957 and proved so popular that its repeats have been aired for decades. Dow reprized the role of Wally as an adult in a reunion made-for-TV movie and series in the 1980s.
In an interview with CBS News’ Jim Axelrod in January, Dow said, “What was brilliant about ‘Leave It to Beaver’ was that it was written from a kid’s point of view.”
Tony Dow on life as an artist after Leave It to Beaver 07:44
He was married to his wife Lauren Dow for 42 years.
During his conversation with Axelrod, the actor shared that he and his wife turned to art, and he even credited his art — combined with medication and therapy — for helping him manage his depression.
“And I’m pretty much in control of it,” he told Axelrod. “You know, I think people should take the leap of faith that they can feel better about themselves.”
Dow said he feels “sad to be famous at 12 or so and then you grow up and become a real person and nothing happens to you”.
The sadness turned to anger, setting Dow up for a fight that would shape the rest of his life.
“Untreated anger turns into depression,” he said. “But depression isn’t something you say ‘Cheer up!’ can say. above. You know, it’s a very powerful thing. And it had a huge impact on my life.
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