US actor Tony Dow dead

A day after the actor’s death was falsely announced, Tony Dow died at the age of 77. His family confirms that. / Tony Dow died

The past few days have been a ebb and flow of feelings for Tony Dow’s family, friends and fans. On Tuesday, the actor’s management announced his death in a statement published by Entertainment Tonight and TMZ, among others.

A few hours later it was said: Tony Dow is still alive. His wife Lauren was “very upset” and gave management misleading information. The 77-year-old’s son eventually corrected that his father was dying back home in California. On Wednesday morning local time, he officially confirmed his death.

“The world has lost an amazing man” / Tony Dow died

“Although this is a very sad day, I have the comfort and peace that he is in a better place. He was the best father anyone could ask for. He was my role model, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man at my wedding and my hero,” Christopher Dow shared on Facebook.

The actor’s management mourned: “The world has lost an amazing human being.” Tony Dow was “kind, compassionate, funny and humble”. You “couldn’t help but love him” and are grateful for all the memories “and for the feeling that you were a big brother to all of us.”

“One should be grown up” made him famous

A nod to the role that made the American famous, Tony Dow auditioned for the sitcom Leave It To Beaver when he was 12 and was cast as the main character’s big brother . For six years he played Wally Cleaver in 234 episodes until the end of the series, which was extremely successful in the USA, in 1963. Tony Dow also became known internationally as a result.

The show’s lead actor, Jerry Mathers, told “Entertainment Tonight”: “Tony was not only my brother on TV, but in many ways in life. He leaves a void in my heart that cannot be filled.” The two had been friends for 65 years. Numerous fans and companions also expressed their grief for Tony Dow on social media.

Tony Dow was ill with cancer

After the end of “One would have to be an adult”, the native Californian was more likely to be seen in smaller roles, especially in series like “Lassie”, “Knight Rider” or “Murder is her hobby”. He has also directed television, including several episodes of the sci-fi series Babylon 5 and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

The exact circumstances of death are not known, but in May 2022 Tony Dow’s management made it public on Facebook that the actor had been diagnosed with cancer again. A few days ago, an update said that he had to be treated in hospital due to complications. The series star is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lauren Shulkind, and two children.

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