Actor Tony Dow, finest identified for portraying Wally Cleaver on iconic household sitcom “Go away It to Beaver”, has handed away at age 77.
On Wednesday, the actor’s administration shared the unhappy information that he had handed away in a submit on his Fb web page.
“We have now acquired affirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony handed away earlier this morning, together with his loving household at his aspect to see him by means of this journey,” the assertion stated.
“We all know that the world is collectively saddened by the lack of this unimaginable man. He gave a lot to us all and was cherished by so many,” it continued. “One fan stated it finest—’It’s uncommon when there’s a one that is so universally cherished like Tony.’”
The assertion additionally included phrases from Dow’s son Christopher, who stated, “Though it is a very unhappy day, I’ve consolation and peace that he’s in a greater place. He was one of the best Dad anybody may ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of motive, my finest pal, my finest man in my wedding ceremony, and my hero. My spouse stated one thing highly effective and exhibits the sort of man he was. She stated: ‘Tony was such a form man. He had such an enormous coronary heart and I’ve by no means heard Tony say a nasty or destructive factor about anybody.’
The unhappy information comes a day after confusion about Dow’s situation led his spouse to speak to his administration crew that he had died, although at the moment he was nonetheless alive.
After a submit on his Fb web page saying his dying was taken down, Los Angeles ABC reporter George Pennacchio confirmed that Dow, who was in residence hospice care, had not but died.
“I had a dialog together with his spouse, Lauren,” Pennacchio wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. “She is understandably distraught and grief-stricken about what’s been occurring with Tony’s well being battle these previous months. He’s been in hospice care at their residence, and primarily based on some well being points in a single day, Lauren inferred that Tony had handed away to some individuals near her and the phrase shortly unfold.”
He continued, “She instructed me she now feels ‘silly’ about what has transpired since his dying has been reported world wide. She additionally instructed me, by means of her ache, ‘it’s of my very own doing.’ I instructed her we all know it’s been a really tense time and other people perceive overwhelming grief. Lauren says she ‘loves and adores’ her husband of 42 years with all of her coronary heart.”
Lastly, the reporter added, “Whereas she did say he handed, she now understands the miscommunication and is sorry for inflicting a commotion on this difficult time.”
The unique assertion saying Dow’s dying had learn, “It’s with an especially heavy coronary heart that we share with you the passing of our beloved Tony this morning.”
“The world has misplaced an incredible human being, however we’re all richer for the reminiscences that he has left us,” the assertion added. “From the nice and cozy reminiscences of Wally Cleaver to these of us lucky sufficient to know him personally — thanks Tony. And thanks for the reflections of an easier time, the laughter, the friendship and for the sensation that you simply have been an enormous brother to us all. We are going to miss you.”
Dow performed Wally Cleaver, older brother of Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver (performed by Jerry Mathers), all through the sequence’ 1957-1963 run.
He would go on to reprise the function within the 1983 TV film “Nonetheless the Beaver” and the revival sequence “The New Go away It to Beaver”, which ran from 1983-1989.
Subsequent display screen roles together with such TV sequence as “Dr. Kildare”, “My Three Sons”, “Lassie”, “Mod Squad”, “The Love Boat” and lots of others.
Dow additionally labored behind the digicam as a producer, visible results supervisor and director, directing episodes of TV sequence together with “Harry and the Hendersons”, “Coach”, “Babylon 5” and “Star Trek: Deep Area 9” and extra.
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‘Leave It To Beaver’ Star Tony Dow Diagnosed With Cancer
Lately, Dow labored as a sculptor.
In Could 2022, Dow revealed that he’d been recognized with most cancers, however provided no additional particulars.
After the mistaken announcement of his dying, Dow’s onscreen brother, Jerry Mathers, paid tribute in a heartfelt submit he shared on Fb.
“It’s with the utmost disappointment I realized this morning of my co-star and lifelong pal Tony Dow’s passing,” wrote Mathers.
“He was not solely my brother on television, however in some ways in life as effectively,” he added, noting that Dow’s passing “leaves an empty place in my coronary heart that received’t be crammed… The world might have misplaced a star at this time, however the heavens gained one other.
Many others additionally pay tribute on social media, together with Seashore Boys founder Brian Wilson, “Resident Alien” star Alan Tudyk and extra.
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