In a surprising twist of events, Leave it to Beaver star Tony Dow is not dead , despite an announcement released earlier today saying he was.
Nevertheless, we’re happy to announce that the 77-year-old actor is still alive and bravely fighting cancer, as per a statement released in May 2022.
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On Tuesday, “Leave it to Beaver” fans were heartbroken at the news that Tony Dow, best known for playing Wally Cleaver in the classic TV sitcom, which aired from 1957 to 1963.
In addition to being an actor, Tony has made a name for himself as a film producer, director, and sculptor.
“Tony was a beautiful soul – kind, compassionate, funny and humble. It was truly a joy to just be around him,” the now-deleted statement from Tony’s team read.
“His gentle voice and unpretentious manner was immediately comforting and you could not help but love him.”
“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.”
Just a few hours after the heartbreaking announcement, TMZ reported that the statement regarding Tony’s death had been removed.
The outlet spoke with Tony’s manager who explained that Tony’s wife, Lauren was distraught and believed her husband was dead.
Lauren then told Tony’s management the news, thus leading to the incorrect announcement.
Soon after TMZ’s report, ABC reporter George Pennacchio posted on Facebook giving Tony’s fans more detail as to what exactly happened Tuesday morning.
“Tony Dow is still alive,” George began.
“I had a conversation with his wife, Lauren. She is understandably distraught and grief-stricken about what’s been going on with Tony’s health battle these past months. He’s been in hospice care at their home, and based on some health issues overnight, Lauren inferred that Tony had passed away to some people close to her and the word quickly spread.”
“Lauren admits she’s been ‘a little fuzzy’ these days – understandable.”
“She told me she now feels ‘foolish’ about what has transpired since his death has been reported around the world,” he continued, as per Deadline. “She also told me, through her pain, ‘it is of my own doing.’ I told her we know it’s been a very stressful time and people understand overwhelming grief.”
“Lauren says she ‘loves and adores’ her husband of 42 years with all of her heart,” George added.
“While she did say he passed, she now understands the miscommunication and is sorry for causing a commotion in this challenging time.”
We’re rooting for you, Tony!
