Director and actor, Tony Dow passed away Wednesday at the age of 77. He was best known for playing the older brother, Wally Cleaver, on the hit show Leave It To Beaver.
Tony Lee Dow was born on April 13, 1945, in Los Angeles, California. Wally was his first role which he landed after a casting call with almost no acting experience. He played the role for six years.
After Beaver, he would land roles on other shows such as Never Too Young, My Three Sons, and Dr. Kildare. His acting career would take a three-year pause as he served in the National Guard. Dow would return to the role of Walley in the 1980s and even wrote an episode on The New Leave It To Beaver. In 1987, he was honored with the Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award for his role.
His career also saw him directing episodes for The New Lassie, Get A Life, Harry and the Hendersons, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
He had been dealing with various complications due to a cancer diagnosis. “Tony was a beautiful soul - kind, compassionate, funny, and humble. It was truly a joy to just be around him. His gentle voice and unpretentious manner was immediately comforting and you could not help but love him,” his managers wrote in a statement.
Update: There was confusion earlier this week over his passing. On Tuesday, his management team mistakenly reported his passing. On Daw’s Facebook page, his management team wrote: “We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away... 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.”
Story via Scottie Andrew with CNN
