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Tony Dow’s Son Christopher: Get to Know the Late ‘Leave It to Beaver’ Actor’s Only Child
Tony Dow, who starred as wise older brother Wally Cleaver on the iconic 1950s sitcom Leave It to Beaver, died on July 27, 2022, according to a post on his Facebook page. The news of his death came one day after his son, Christopher Dow, told Fox News Digital that his father was in hospice care in his “last hours.”
How Many Children Did Tony Dow Have?
The actor shared Christopher with his ex-wife, Carol Marie Theresa Marlow, whom he was married to from 1969 through 1980. Christopher was born on March 26, 1973. Tony married his second wife, Lauren Shulkind, in 1980. They were together up until his death.
Christopher Briefly Followed His Dad Tony Dow Into Acting
He played a “Young Wally,” a flashback version of his dad on the 1980s reboot, The New Leave It to Beaver, which followed the original sitcom’s family life with the children now in their adult years. In 1998, he starred in an episode as a 1963 version of Wally Cleaver and appeared again in 1989 playing a 16-year-old version of his dad’s character. He has no other acting credits on IMDb after those appearances and has preferred to live a private life outside of the Hollywood limelight.
Statement on Tony Dow’s Death
Tony’s death was confirmed in a touching Facebook statement, one day after his death was prematurely announced in a since-deleted post.
“We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey,” the post read. “We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many. One fan said it best — ‘It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony.”
A part of the statement written by Christopher continued: “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.”
When Did Tony Dow’s Cancer Return?
Two months prior to his death, Tony and Lauren shared with fans in May 2022 that his cancer had returned in a tweet that read, “I have some very sad news to share with you. Tony has once again been diagnosed with cancer. He is taking this reality so bravely, but it is truly heartbreaking. We thank you all in advance.”
