Update: ‘Leave It to Beaver’ Star Tony Dow Still Alive, Despite Statement Announcing His Death

Beloved actor and director Tony Dow, who reached rarefied Hollywood stardom status playing the hunky older brother Wally Cleaver to actor Jerry Mathers’ Beaver in the iconic 60’s series Leave It to Beaver is still alive, despite a Facebook message from Dow’s management team announcing early Tuesday that he passed.

“It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share with you the passing of our beloved Tony this morning. Tony was a beautiful soul – kind, compassionate, funny and humble,” read the Facebook message from Dow’s management team.

TMZ reports:

The statement reporting Tony’s death that was posted on his official Facebook page Tuesday morning has now been removed. We spoke with Tony’s manager who says Tony’s wife, Lauren, who is very distraught, believed her husband was dead — and told his management.

We’re now told he is still alive and breathing while in hospice care.

News of Dow’s passing spread far and fast, with condolences coming in from celebrities, admirers, and even his Beaver co-star Jerry Mathers.
Earlier this month, Dow’s team posted an update about his health:

Dear Fans/Friends of Tony:

Thank you for your patience in getting an update out to all of you. As we are sure you can imagine, this has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs as Tony continues his fight with cancer. Tony has been in and out of the hospital with various complications and treatments. He and Lauren have been trying to maintain a positive spirit, though at times this proves difficult. The outpouring of love and concern from all of you certainly helps to ease this, and for that we thank you. We will post again when there is more to report. Until then, keep the good thoughts coming.

Frank and Renee, Tony’s Management Team

This article has been updated.