America's Older Brother Tony Dow Spent Final Moments With Family By His Side

Aug 09, 2022 by apost team

Actor Tony Dow is best remembered for his role as Wally Cleaver in the iconic television series "Leave it to Beaver." The show ran from the late 1950s to the early 1960s and remains to this day one of the most impactful and influential programs featuring the average American family. It epitomized and idealized suburban living in the mid-century. 

Dow's character, Wally, served as not only the older brother to the mischievous Theodore "The Beaver" Cleaver but also, in a way, the older brother to countless viewers at home. An all-American boy, Wally, was polite, intelligent, and archetypal of the type of 13-year-old most parents dream of raising. Dow not only played this trustworthy and popular character to the hilt but also, as the show progressed, became the series' heartthrob. Dow's popularity with teenage girls led to an expansion of the role, which further cemented Dow as a household name.

Dow later spoke about the effect of skyrocketing to stardom at such a young age. "It's sad to be famous at 12 years old or something, and then you grow up and become a real person, and nothing's happened for you," he admitted, as per CNN. The actor also opened up about his struggles with depression, a condition that seemed to stand in stark opposition to his cheery on-screen persona. "I realize there's a perceived irony about this," Dow said during a 1993 Baltimore Sun interview. "You know, the fact that I was in a TV program that epitomized the supposed ideal world of the '50s, and here I'm suffering from depression." 

However, Dow embraced depression, acknowledging it publicly and working to raise awareness for others that may be struggling with the same battle. Down turned in part to art to help combat his depression. He spoke about his sculpting and other pursuits, saying, "I think people should take the leap of faith that they can feel better." Picking up a smock seemed to work for Dow, given he achieved some success and exposure purely through his art. However, Dow never made himself into a tortured creative type, stating rather, "I'm just one of millions." Always determined to help, Dow even released a self-help video series called "Beating the Blues."

Despite his struggles, Dow went on to star in several other series and movies after "Leave it to Beaver." This included "My Three Sons," "Dr. Kildare," "The Greatest Show on Earth," and "Never Too Young." Dow also served in the US Coast Guard in the mid-60s. 

However, perhaps Dow's greatest contribution and the role for which he will be best remembered is not that of old brother but of husband and father. Dow married Carol Marlow in 1969. The couple divorced in 1978, but they had one son, Christopher, on whom Dow doted. Dow then married Lauren Shulkind in 1980, to whom he stayed married for over forty years. 

While Dow later in life struggled to beat a liver cancer diagnosis, he was fortunate enough to have his family at his side. When his father's health began to decline, Christopher wrote, "This is a difficult time."

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He continued, writing, "Dad is at home, under hospice care, and in his last hours. My wife and I are by his side along with many friends that have visited. He has a fighting heart."

Unfortunately, the actor's death was initially misreported in July 2022. At the time, George Pennacchio of ABC reported, “I had a conversation with his wife, Lauren...Lauren inferred that Tony had passed away to some people close to her and the word quickly spread." After rumors spread, Dow's representatives Frank Bilotta and Renee James posted an "URGENT UPDATE” on the actor's Facebook page, correcting the error. They wrote, "Tony’s son Christopher and his daughter-in-law Melissa have also been by his side comforting him."

The following day, July 27, 2022, Dow died at the age of 77. A statement on his Facebook page broke the news, saying, "Words cannot express how much we will all feel his absence but will cherish the memories he left to each and every one of us." Christopher included his own words on his father's passing, writing, "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." 

The statement then closed with a sentiment we all perhaps share, "Thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship." Dow surely will be missed. 

What's your favorite memory of watching the Cleaver family? Let us know, and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, and any "Leave it to Beaver" fans!