Advertisement
Advertisement
A photo of Tony Dow

Tony Dow 1945 - 2022

Tony Dow was born on April 13, 1945 in Los Angeles, California United States, and died at age 77 years old on July 27, 2022 in Topanga.
Tony Dow
Tony Lee Dow
April 13, 1945
Los Angeles, California, United States
July 27, 2022
Topanga, California, United States
Male
Looking for another Tony Dow?
ADVERTISEMENT BY ANCESTRY.COM
This page exists for YOU
and everyone who remembers Tony.
Share what you know,
even ask what you wish you knew.
Invite others to do the same,
but don't worry if you can't...
Someone, somewhere will find this page,
and we'll notify you when they do.

Tony Dow's History: 1945 - 2022

Uncover new discoveries and connections today by sharing about people & moments from yesterday.
  • Introduction

    Tony's father was architect John Stevens Dow (1908 - 1987) and his mother was Muriel Virginia Montrose (1906 - 2001). He had one brother, Dion. In the 1950 federal census, Tony was 5 and living in Los Angeles California with his parents John (41) and Muriel (43). Also in the household was brother Dion (18). Father John was a "building contractor" in an office. No one else in the household was working. As a teen, Tony was a Junior Olympics diving champion. Tony portrayed "Wally Cleaver" in the iconic television sitcom "Leave It to Beaver" from 1957 to 1963. He didn't have any other acting experience at the time. Dow married Carol Marlow in June 1969 and their marriage ended in 1978. They had one child, Christopher, born in 1973. In June 1980, Dow married Lauren Shulkind, to whom he was married until his death. After "Leave It To Beaver", Tony appeared on many television shows, including a stint on a reprise of "Leave It To Beaver" in the 1980s. See Tony Dow: Obituary
  • 04/13
    1945

    Birthday

    April 13, 1945
    Birthdate
    Los Angeles, California United States
    Birthplace
  • Ethnicity & Family History

    Tony was Caucasian.
  • Nationality & Locations

    Tony lived mainly in and around Los Angles California. (Topanga, Hollywood, and Venice California). He lived in Kansas City Missouri as well.
  • Professional Career

    Tony was an actor, director, producer, and sculptor.
  • 07/27
    2022

    Death

    July 27, 2022
    Death date
    Liver cancer
    Cause of death
    Topanga, California United States
    Death location
  • Obituary

    'Leave It to Beaver' actor Tony Dow dies at 77 after entering hospice by USA TODAY Amy Haneline, USA TODAY Thu, July 28, 2022 at 5:00 AM "Leave It To Beaver" actor Tony Dow, who played Wally Cleaver in the popular sitcom, died following a battle with cancer, his manager Frank Bilotta confirmed to USA TODAY on Wednesday. He was 77. "We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey," a post from Dow's official Facebook page read. "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." 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 in my wedding, and my hero. My wife said something powerful and shows the kind of man he was. She said: 'Tony was such a kind man. He had such a huge heart and I’ve never heard Tony say a bad or negative thing about anyone.' " His death comes a day after Dow's manager Bilotta initially told USA TODAY Tuesday the actor "passed from cancer" and announced the news on Dow's Facebook page. It was later revealed through reports from Dow's family that he was in hospice care, and the Facebook post was deleted. Previous: Tony Dow's family says the 'Leave It to Beaver' actor is in hospice, according to reports In the now-deleted statement, Bilotta and James shared: "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," they saidadded. "The world has lost an amazing human being, but we are all richer for the memories that he has left us. From the warm reminiscences of Wally Cleaver to those of us fortunate enough to know him personally - thank you Tony. And thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship and for the feeling that you were a big brother to us all," the post said. On the hit sitcom "Leave It to Beaver," which aired on CBS and then ABC from 1957-63, Wally was the older son of Ward and June, a straighter contrast to the quirkier main character of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver (Jerry Mathers). A popular jock, Wally was also ensnared in the schemes of his friend, the mischievous and smooth-talking 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 won’t be filled," Mathers said in a Facebook post Wednesday. "Tony was always the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere, and humble man, and it was my honor and privilege to be able to share memories together with him for 65 years." In the now-deleted statement, Bilotta and James shared: "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," they saidadded. "The world has lost an amazing human being, but we are all richer for the memories that he has left us. From the warm reminiscences of Wally Cleaver to those of us fortunate enough to know him personally - thank you Tony. And thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship and for the feeling that you were a big brother to us all," the post said. 'It is truly heartbreaking': 'Leave It To Beaver' actor Tony Dow announces cancer diagnosis The news of his death comes less than three months after the actor and his wife, Lauren Shulkind put out a joint statement sharing the "very sad news" of his cancer diagnosis, though they didn't disclose details of the disease. "Dear Friends & Fans of Tony Dow, I have some very sad news to share with you. Unfortunately, Tony has once again been 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 gall bladder cancer, according to The Associated Press. Dow's "Beaver" co-star Mathers had updated fans on Dow's cancer battle July 21, asking for "prayers and healing." He included a note from Dow's Facebook page, which said his illness had been a "rollercoaster of ups and downs" with Dow "in and out of the hospital with various complications and treatments." The actor and director has been public about previous health struggles. In August he was hospitalized with pneumonia, Bilotta confirmed at the time. Dow later reprised 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 core 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, born Anthony Lee Dow, has starred in an array of television series as a child and was involved in A Minor Consideration, a non-profit foundation to provide support for child actors. Ken Osmond obituary: 'Leave It to Beaver' actor, known for role as Eddie Haskell, dies at 76 In 2017, Dow reflected on his acting career and celebrated "Leave It To Beaver" 's 60th anniversary in an interview with the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. “It’s nice to be remembered any way you can, so I have accomplished that,” Dow said at the time. “I’m much more appreciative of the show. I was not unappreciative, but I was always a little rebellious." Dow is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lauren, son Christopher, daughter-in-law Melissa, and brother Dion. Frank Bank obituary: 'Leave It to Beaver's' Lumpy Rutherford dies Contributing: Elise Brisco, Jenna Ryu, Erin Jensen, Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY; Andrew Dalton, The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tony Dow dead: Wally Cleaver 'Leave It to Beaver' actor was 77
  • share
    Memories
    below
Advertisement
Advertisement

2 Memories, Stories & Photos about Tony

Another star has left this world for another one. He is definitely in heaven watching over us with that huge smile of his. Glad I got to know him.
Comments
Leave a comment
The simple act of leaving a comment shows you care.
Tony Dow
Tony Dow
1961 photo of Tony Dow, when he was "Wally" on the television show "Leave It To Beaver."
Date & Place: at Hollywood in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States
Comments
Leave a comment
The simple act of leaving a comment shows you care.
"Leave It To Beaver" was a hit show in the 1950s (1957 - 1963). Everyone who had a television (and some who went to the neighbor's house to watch) saw the show every week. June, Ward, Wally, and "Beaver" were almost like members of the family, they were so familiar.

Actor Tony Dow played the teen age "Wally". While he had no previous acting experience, his lack of background meant that he portrayed Wally realistically. And yesterday, "Wally" died at age 77. Another era ends. RIP Tony/Wally. Remember Wally.
Facebook Fan
via Facebook
07/28/2022
Do you know if he acted in shows other than LITB.
Loading...one moment please loading spinner
Be the 1st to share and we'll let you know when others do the same.
ADVERTISEMENT BY ANCESTRY.COM
Advertisement

Tony Dow's Family Tree & Friends

Tony Dow's Family Tree

Parent
Parent
Partner
Child
Sibling
Advertisement
Advertisement
Friendships

Tony's Friends

Friends of Tony Friends can be as close as family. Add Tony's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood.
Advertisement
Advertisement
3 Followers & Sources
Loading records
ADVERTISEMENT BY ANCESTRY.COM
Advertisement
Back to Top