Beaver Cleaver’s older brother Wally Cleaver, played by Jerry Mathers in the classic film, was still receiving hospice care on Tuesday.
The following is an editorial note that was published on July 26, 2022, at around 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. NBC News published an obituary for Tony Dow prepared by Variety on Tuesday morning because the actor’s management firm had sent out erroneous information. Because of this, Dow is no longer fighting for his or her life.
A statement from his management company Tuesday claimed that Tony Dow, the actor and director best known for playing Wally Cleaver in the popular series “Leave It to Beaver,” had died. However, his family has stated that he is still alive.
It was announced on Dow’s Facebook page this morning that “our beloved Tony passed away this morning,” however the message has already been taken down.
“On hospice and in his last hours,” Christopher Dow, the actor’s son, informed NBC News in a text message on Thursday.
Christopher Dow stated, “He’s surrounded by family and friends.” It means a lot that you’ve thought of us at this trying time.
According to a second Facebook post on Dow’s official page, his management team’s concern was caused by a misunderstanding.
As a child, Dow’s mother worked as a stuntwoman and Clara Bow’s doppelganger. He was a Junior Olympic diving champion, but he had no prior experience in the entertainment industry when he accompanied a friend to an audition for Wally and won the part.