'Leave It To Beaver' Star Tony Dow Dead At 77

Taylor Sakellis
leave it to beaver cast photo
Getty Images | Hulton Archive

Hollywood actor, film producer, director, and sculptor Tony Dow has passed away, as reported by TMZ. Tony was best known for his role as Wally Cleaver in the classic TV sitcom Leave it to Beaver which aired from 1957 to 1963.

In an emotional statement released by his team, Tony is remembered as a brilliant actor and kind, compassionate man.

It was reported on Tuesday that American actor Tony Dow had passed away at age 77.

While no cause of death has been revealed, Tony and wife announced that the Leave it to Beaver actor had been diagnosed with cancer back in May, as was first reported by TMZ.

The couple did not specify the type of cancer Tony was fighting but thanked fans in advance for their prayers.

TMZ also was first to report that the actor was hospitalized in August of 2021 with pneumonia, which the family confirmed was not COVID-19 related.

"Tony was a beautiful soul - kind, compassionate, funny and humble. It was truly a joy to just be around him," a statement from Tony's team read.

tony dow on leave it to beaver
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"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."

"And thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship and for the feeling that you were a big brother to us all. We will miss you," the statement concluded.

We're thinking of all of Tony's loved ones during this difficult time.