Tony Dow, Who Played Wally Cleaver on ‘Leave It to Beaver,’ Still Alive Despite Representatives Confirming Death
The New York Times reported that the statement posted on Facebook by Dow representatives was incorrect and that it is still live.
In addition to the Facebook post, Variety released an obituary when it was confirmed again with the Dow team. Various brands have approached their representatives again for further comment.
Earlier: Tony Dow, the actor and director best known for playing Jerry Mathers’ Beaver, the loyal brother of Wally Cleaver in the iconic ‘Leave it to Beaver’ series, has died.
He was 77 years old. His official Facebook page announced his death on Tuesday morning. “It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the loss of our beloved Tony this morning.
Tony was a beautiful soul – kind, compassionate, funny and humble,” read the message. from his members.
Mathers remembered Dow on Facebook, writing, “He’s not just my brother on TV, but in so many ways in life. Tony leaves a void in my heart that will never be filled. He was the greatest.” kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, honest and humble person I have had the honor and privilege to share memories with for 65 years. .
Dow was born in Hollywood and her mother was a former stunt double with Clara Bow. He was a Junior Olympic swimming champion, but had little showbiz experience when he and his friend auditioned and won the role of Wally. “Leave it to Beaver” began airing in 1957 and ran until 1963. The popular black-and-white sitcom, based on a typical family of the time, followed the adventures of the naughty girl Beaver, her working brother Wally, their scheming friend Eddie Haskell and mother and their strong but understanding father played by Barbara Billingsley. and Hugh Beaumont.
The writers of the film series Bob Mosher and Joe Connelly based these characters on their own children, adding details such as the regular combination of Wally that they saw in their teenage years. When the movie ends, Wally is about to start college while Beaver is ready for high school.
Dow returned in the 1980s for the TV show “Still the Beaver” and the series “The New Leave It to Beaver”, in which he directed five episodes and wrote one.
He continued to write, produce and direct while continuing to act, and directed several episodes of ‘Harry and the Hendersons’, ‘Coach’, ‘Babylon 5’, ‘ Honey, I Shrunk Children’ in an episode of “Star Trek: Deep Space.
After “Leave it to Beaver”, Dow appeared in series such as “General Hospital”, “Mr. Novak, “Never Too Young”, “Lassie”, “Love, American Style”, “Square Pegs” and “The Love Boat”, which he built himself. He also appeared in the 2003 film “Dickie Roberts: Child Star,” which featured cameos from several young actors, and appeared in John Landis’ The Kentucky Fried Movie. “.
