Actor Tony Dow, who played Wally Cleaver on the popular television sitcom, has died at age 77 after a battle with cancer.
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On the hit sitcom "Leave It to Beaver," which aired on CBS and then ABC from 1957-63, Wally was the older son of Ward and June, a straighter contrast to the quirkier main character of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver (Jerry Mathers). A popular jock, Wally was also ensnared in the schemes of his friend, the mischievous and smooth-talking Eddie Haskell (Ken Osmond).
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Loved that show.
So sad that many of the iconic LITB casts have passed to their rests. It seems like the end of an era. “Wally” and his friends are gone, except for “Tooey” (Tiger Fafara). “Beavers’s” pals are still here except for “Tooey’s” brother Stanley Fafara, who died in 2003. So l guesx the onky possible future reunion would be for the “Beav”, and his running mates, Rusty Stevens, Stephen Talbot, Richard Correll, etc..
All of these things ARE the end of an era. And we are in a new one now, that’s for sure. Might have gone through a couple of eras since Leave it to Beaver. I was just watching some Seinfeld reruns and thinking to myself, “My. These sure have aged well. They are better than ever.” And then I wondered if part of just might be by the comparison to the current era of “entertainment”. For a sitcom like Leave it to Beaver (or Father’s Knows Best and others), sure, they were often little morality plays. But they weren’t of a pontificating style and never seemed to include political jabs at anyone.
I absolutely had a crush on him when he was on Leave It to Beaver…RIP
For the second day now I hear that Tony has actually passed away. My heart mourns his loss once again. May his family be strengthed at this time. Now the real void sets in. God bless you. See you on the other side WALLY !💙🙏
he was a role model as Wally that today’s boys would do well to emulate.
R.I.P. Tony Dow.
He always looked like my own uncle John. From childhood right through his old age. Like twins.
What an icon. I enjoyed seeing him. I will greatly miss him.
A sad day…but his pain is now gone. 😞
RIP Wally. Eddie is waiting for you at the gate with Lumpy.
What a shame grew up watching him he seemed genuine n down to earth. My heart goes out to his friends & family!
Rip Tony Dow 😢
I have been crying for the last
30 minutes 😭I am devastated my condolences to his family he was exemplar of what a young man should be as wally Cleaver (i’m talking through the speaker and I’m still devastated I had to correct a typo)and I am sure in real life… and I am sure he was a wonderful man to everyone he was with and who he met🌹
There will be no one like him especially on a TV show 🥲 Sorely forever will be missed
I am sooooo devastated🌹😭
How sad. Praying for his family. May he R.I.P. 😢
I GREW UP WATCHING WALLY AND BEAVER I HAD CRUSH ON WALLY WELL AT LEAST HE WILL BE WITH EDDIE REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND NO MORE PAIN
Really sad. For those of us of a certain age, LITB and Tony Dow have special places in our memory. RIP Tony.
My Hero RIP Tony Dow ..!
Tony hung on one more day, God Bless Him. I watched Leave It To Beaver when I was little and it’s still on every morning. I’ve been a fan for 60 years. God be with your family and your forever Brother “the Beav” Love you Wally and will miss you.
Of course, most of didn’t personally know Tony Dow. But with so many interviews especially later in life, you almost feel like you do. I guess he had his share of problems such as depression. But it seems he had a wonderful relationship with his wife. And was also a rather centered person in spite of fame. It’s hard not to think of him as “Wally Cleaver”. But of course, he was much more than that.
It has been a merry-go-round of emotion with the unverified reporting of news in a day! Tony was the most hands on artistic being to know, with the most beautiful piercing eyes that met you at your soul. He was also selflessly a helping hand to all! Generosity was easy for him, & was synonymous with his nature. He will surely be missed for his great giving of time & love.
Tony triumphed through much, & I’m sure he was ready to go & release the anguish of this world. Heartfelt condolences to Lauren, Chris, Melissa & the entirety of the fam, & anyone & everyone in & out of the Industry that ever had an instance of an encounter with this magnificent being. You’ll always be big brother Wally to me! 😥 Now you’ve left The Beav to fend for himself!
Anthony Lee Dow; April 13, 1945 – July 27, 2022
*Rest Peacefully Handsome One* 💘 ✝ 🕊🌹