After false reports surfaced a day prior, the 60’s nuclear family’s eldest son, Tony Dow; affectionately known on the show, “Leave It To Beaver” as ‘Wally’ , has transitioned into the next phase of life. His family says he passed away from liver cancer complications. Dow’s manager, Frank Bilotta, confirmed the death, telling NBC News that Dow had been diagnosed with liver cancer.
“Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero,” Christopher Dow said, according to a statement that Bilotta shared on Tony Dow’s official Facebook page.
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Dow began his acting career at age 12. Starting with “The New Leave It to Beaver” in 1988; Mr. Dow also began a career as a TV director. Thus, his credits included episodes of “Babylon 5” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” However the original “Leave It To Beaver” ran from 1957 to 1963, airing in black and white, no color.