Statements by the Dow’s son and company executives have been added to this post. An earlier report that Tony Dow had died was based on inaccurate information about the actor’s wife’s emotional state, according to a statement from his son and management team.
Dow’s son, Christopher, issued a statement on the actor’s Facebook page saying, “This is a difficult moment.” “Dad is in the final stages of his illness and is receiving hospice care at home. My wife and I, as well as a slew of friends who have come to visit, are by his side. In his heart, “he’s got a battling spirit.”
“This morning Tony’s wife Lauren, who was very heartbroken, had contacted us that Tony had departed and asked that we notify all of his followers,” spokesmen Frank Bilotta and Renee James write on the Facebook page under the heading “URGENT UPDATE. This has been a difficult moment for her, as we’re sure you can appreciate. However, Tony’s daughter-in-law just called to tell that while he isn’t doing so well anymore, he isn’t yet gone. He has been comforted by the presence of his family, including his son Christopher and daughter-in-law Melissa. We will keep you updated on any further developments.”
Deadline has contacted Dow’s management for additional clarification and has taken down the obituary that was previously published.
Dow’s death was reported on social media earlier today by Bilotta and James. Dow’s death made international headlines and prompted an impassioned response from Leave It To Beaver co-star and lifelong friend Jerry Mathers, who was deeply saddened by the news. Snoop Dogg was “not just my brother on television, but also in many other ways,” Mathers wrote on Facebook today. There is a hole in my heart that Tony has left behind that can never be replaced.
The death was reported by the New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN, and other media outlets throughout the world. Editor’s Notes have been published by a number of publications, including The New York Times, clarifying that “he is still alive.”
It was later revealed on Facebook by ABC reporter George Pennacchio that Dow’s wife Lauren feared her husband had died in the night at their home and contacted Dow’s management of her false belief.
Pennacchio says that Tony Dow is still alive. “I spoke with Lauren, his wife. She’s obviously upset and grieving over Tony’s health crisis over the last few months. In light of recent health concerns, Lauren inferred that Tony had died to a select group of people close to her, and the story spread swiftly. Tony had been in hospice care at their house. It’s reasonable that Lauren would describe herself as “a little foggy” lately. As a result of the widespread coverage of his death, she claims she now feels ‘foolish.’ ‘It’s all my fault,’ she insisted, wailing in misery. I informed her that we all know how difficult this time has been, and that people can empathize with her. Lauren has been married to her husband for 42 years and claims she ‘loves and adores’ him completely. While she initially stated that he had passed away, she now realizes the error and apologizes for raising a stir during this difficult time.”
“It is with an exceedingly heavy heart that we share with you the departure of our dear Tony this morning,” Dow’s representatives said in a statement. Tony was a kind, sensitive, hilarious, and humble person. He was a wonderful soul. It was a pleasure to spend time with him. You couldn’t help but warm up to him as soon as you heard his soothing voice and noticed his unassuming demeanor. Our lives have been made better by the memories that he has left behind. Thank you, Tony, from those of us who were fortunate enough to have met Wally Cleaver and share in his fond memories. The memories of simpler times, laughing, and closeness with you as a big brother mean a lot to all of us.
As the owner of the Florida-based Bilotta Gallery, Bilotta has displayed works by a long list of well-known artists, such as Dow, Billy Dee Williams, Billy Bob Thornton, and so on.
Dow’s representatives announced on the actor’s Facebook page last week that he had had difficulties in his cancer battle.