Dow was born in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the son of Muriel Virginia (Montrose), a stuntwoman in westerns, and John Stevens Dow, a designer and contractor. 'LEAVE IT TO BEAVER' STAR JERRY MATHERS REMEMBERS WORKING WITH ALFRED HITCHCOCK. Whats your take on this?Dow: Everybodys going to have an opinion. All rights reserved. Dow told The Washington Post that the show sold out in Dallas, owing in part to "Leave it to Beaver" being played as a rerun in the 5:30 p.m. timeslot in that media market. For the British director, see, magazines aimed principally at teen girls, Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award, The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space, "Glimpse into Tony Dow's Life after 'Leave It to Beaver' and His Almost 40-Year Marriage", "Tony Dow, Big Brother Wally on 'Leave It to Beaver,' Dies at 77", "Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver): The Beaver's older brother is a man of many talents", "Tony Dow, big brother Wally on 'Leave it to Beaver,' dies", "Joe Connelly, 85; Helped Create 'Leave It to Beaver', "Tony Dow, 'Leave It to Beaver' Star, Dies at 77", "Fans remember life of Tony Dow amid reports of his death", "Tony Dow: Sculpting a Life After "'Leave It To Beaver',", "Tony Dow: From 'Leave It to Beaver' to the Louvre", "Leave It to Beaver Alum Tony Dow Hospitalized with Pneumonia", "Leave It to Beaver Star Tony Dow in His 'Last Hours' After Cancer Diagnosis, Son Says", "Tony Dow, Who Played Wally Cleaver on 'Leave It to Beaver,' Dies a Day After Erroneous Announcement", "Tony Dow, 'Leave It to Beaver' star, dead at 77, son confirms: 'He is in a better place", "Tony Dow, the all-American Wally on 'Leave It to Beaver,' dies at 77", "The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space", "Tony Dow's management team removes statement star has died", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tony_Dow&oldid=1151829468, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 26 April 2023, at 14:14. Early life [ edit] When Tony Dow's death was erroneously announced by his management team on July 26, 2022, Jerry Mathers almost immediately took to social media to convey the sorrow of losing a life-long friend, co-star, and collaborator. In a January interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Dow recalled learning over a hamburger and malt that he was offered the part after auditioning on a whim. His abstract shown at the Louvre was titled "Unarmed Warrior", a bronze figure of a woman holding a shield.[11]. You always hear stories about all these arguments on set. [9], Dow has become a sculptor, creating abstract bronze sculptures. On his return to acting, he was a guest star in the television series Adam-12, Love American Style, Knight Rider, Square Pegs, The Mod Squad, The Hardy Boys, and Emergency! Market data provided by Factset. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. WRITINGS: "Slumber Party," (television episode), Still the Beaver, Disney Channel, 1984. We spent a little more money on it than most, I believe, but it was just more realistic. Tony Dow, the wholesome actor who portrayed "the perfect big brother" Wally Cleaver on the everlasting TV comedy Leave It to Beaver and its 1980s sequel, has died, his . Many celebrities, past and present, have served. A Warner Bros. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The show was called Johnny Wildlife and it wouldve been the first color series on television about a wildlife photographer and his son. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Today, the proud husband and grandfather resides in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California where he continues to create sculptures. Along the way, it was nominated for and was the recipient of multiple Cable Ace Awards and Young Artist Awards (per IMDb). Mathers, who is still very much alive at age 73, joined the Air Force in 1966, as American involvement in the war in Vietnam was ramping up. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories. [6], In April 2019, Dow was seen promoting the Leave It To Beaver television series and other classic television series on the MeTV television network. One of them I have a program for wide-format printing. From 1990 to 1993, he directed five episodes of a sci-fi television series titled Swamp Thing. From 1990 to 1997, he directed 12 episodes of the popular sitcom Coach which was aired on ABC television network. Tony Dow from a 1964 appearance on "Mr. Go write that. So they really tried to keep the show realistic and believable Im a little biased, as all my other friends who are on other shows are. Dow played Wally Cleaver, the elder son of June (played by Barbara Billingsley) and Ward (played by Hugh Beaumont) Cleaver, and the brother of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver (played by Jerry Mathers). He portrayed Wally Cleaver in the iconic television sitcom Leave It to Beaver from 1957 to 1963. As a producer, he bankrolled a couple of television movies, namely The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space and It Came from Outer Space II. He also directed several episodes of a number of television series, such as Coach, The New Leave It to Beaver, Harry and the Hendersons, Swamp Thing, Babylon 5, and Cover Me: Based on the True Life of an FBI Family., Spouse/Ex-: Lauren Shulkind (m. 1980), Carol Marlow (m. 19691980). . Concerning the company name, he proved he also butchered meat for his company using cleavers. Of course, Mathers wasn't dead. I got up in the morning, had breakfast and wentto work. They actually asked our parents not to let us watch the show on TV so we wouldnt get a big head. For veterans like Chuck Norris, the trail seems obvious. I wish I could have tried to get rid of that. He has also appeared in several videos, chronicling his fight against clinical depression. In 1996, he provided visual effects for the FOX television movie Doctor Who.[12][10]. As played by Dow, Wally was the "all-American" boyan intelligent, polite teenager, trusted by his parents, popular with his peers, and liked by his teachers. He told my mom, Im going to this interview for a show where theyre looking for a father and son. He turned out to be a problem for the CNG as he refused to pick up a weapon under any circumstances. He was born on April 13, 1945, in the United States. News of the actors passing comes one day after a premature announcement of his death. Eighteen months later, Dow and Mathers returned to the stage together again. American actor, film director and film producer (19452022), This article is about the American actor, film producer, and director. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much READ ALSO: Olisa Metuh biography: age, family, wife, is he still alive? Kildare, The Eleventh Hour, The Greatest Show on Earth, and My Three Sons. From 1963 to 1965, he was seen in five episodes of a dramatic TV series titled Mr. Updated When Leave It to Beaver went off-air in 1963, Dow started appearing in other television series, such as Dr. To Tony Dow, You a very talented actor. He was always the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere, and humble man, that it was my honor and privilege to be able to share memories with for 65 years.". The show played in Kansas City, MO. Market data provided by Factset. He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. Updated: August 9, 2022. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. In June 1980, Dow married Lauren Shulkind. Can Tony go with me becausewe kind of look alike? He figured maybe that was the only way to get it. In 2008, Dow made headlines for his talent in sculpturing. Fox News: Were you ever worried about being typecast?Dow: Oh yeah, who wouldn't. He portrayed Wally Cleaver in the iconic television sitcom Leave It to Beaver from 1957 to 1963. Dow told CBS that once he accepted his diagnosis and began treatment, he found hope. What did you go telling everybody that for? Tony Lee Dow (born April 13, 1945) is an American film producer, director, sculptor, and television actor. 4:25 PM EDT, Wed July 27, 2022, UNITED STATES - AUGUST 27: LEAVE IT TO BEAVER - "Wally's Track Meet" 1/28/61 Tony Dow (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images), January interview with CBS Sunday Morning. The show ran from 1957 to 1963. "[10] One of his bronze pieces was on display in the backyard garden of Barbara Billingsley, who played his mother on Leave It to Beaver. The bonding the two actors developed on set when they were children blossomed into a meaningful relationship as adults, and they continued even after the latter series was canceled in 1989. "[14] Reuters wrote of Dow's work that it "features humanlike forms devoid of expression or detail; they are widely open to the viewer's interpretation. As a child, Tony Dow helped capture the innocence of America as Wally Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver" and it still continues to captivate audiences nearly 60 years since the show ended.. He also directed five episodes of the series. The rest of the time we were shooting or rehearsing. Inspired by films glorifying submarine service, Curtis applied for sub school. That was a major problem. In his three years of military service, Mathers rose to the rank of sergeant. In that time, we see Wally and Beaver grow from an awkward pre-teen and a precocious almost eight-year-old to a young man preparing to enter college and his younger brother who is about to enter high school. Dow entered the behind-the-scenes world as a director and producer for 20 years and had productions like The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space and It Came from Outer Space., He also directed episodes in the shows Cover Me: Based on the True Life of an FBI Family, Babylon 5, Swamp Thing, Harry and the Hendersons, Coach, and The New Leave It to Beaver., In 2015, he landed a role in the short film Lucky Day and was cast in one of the episodes of Suspense. Three years later, he made a guest appearance on Find Your Future Reality.. Dow and Mathers continued to join forces on the smaller screen and appeared on a 2017 episode of "The TodayShow," where they discussed the 60th anniversary of the show that started their lifelong friendship (per ABTC). [7], Dow's most recent screen appearance was in the 2003 film Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. Lisa Weiner His bronze sculpture displayed in Paris was titled Unarmed Warrior.. and construction. Dow landed the role on the show without previous acting credits and gained popularity through the 234 episodes he appeared in. As of 2020, he is 75 years old. I did High School U.S.A with Michael J. After the run of the original series Leave it to Beaver ended in 1963, he continued his television career. [6] In 1977, he parodied his role as Wally from Leave it to Beaver in The Kentucky Fried Movie, with Jerry Zucker playing Beaver. My parents wanted to make sure it was normal. I was working out at the Hollywood athletic club and there was a lifeguard there who was an actor. [16], Dow married Carol Marlow in June 1969 and their marriage ended in 1980. He retired from public life and went to high school like any other normal teenager. This time, the two co-starred in a stage production that was written specifically for them. But Im just one of millions.. In May 2022, Tony Dow was diagnosed with liver cancer. I was ready to do the other show. Legal Statement. )[7] In the show's later years, Dow grew into an attractive, athletic young man and was often featured in "heartthrob"-type magazines aimed principally at teen girls. ", Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers had tried unsuccessfully to get networks to greenlight a version of "Leave it to Beaver" in which the boys were adults, raising their own families, asThe Washington Post reports. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines for Sept. 12 are here. Before joining the U.S. Air Force, Mathers began his professional life as an actor. Mighty Networks, 2023. Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. Anthony Lee Dow (April 13, 1945 - July 27, 2022) was an American actor, film producer, director and sculptor. But my life was sort of consistently the same. In 1995, he produced a television film titled The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space. The following year, he bankrolled another TV film titled It Came from Outer Space II. From 1997 to 1998, he directed multiple episodes of television series, such as Babylon 5 and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show., In 2015, he played Marty in a short film titled Lucky Day. In the same year, he was cast to play Max Redford in one of the episodes of Suspense. In 2016, he played Fitzhugh in the same series. Dow, who said he experienced undiagnosed depression from age 20 to age 40, spoke out for decades about his mental health challenges, long before it was common for celebrities to disclose that information publicly. From 1965 to 1968 Dow served in the National Guard, interrupting his acting career. His schedule kept him from being able to act, a passion that he missed. He became one of the most successful and controversial people in politics. Tony Dow the actor who played America's big brother as the oldest sibling Wally Cleaver on the television classic Leave It To Beaver, died today. Tony Dows father, John Stevens Dow, Jr. worked as a general contractor and designer. Fondly remembered for playing teenager 'Wally Cleaver' in the TV series Leave It to Beaver (1957-1963). He is best known for his role in the television sitcom Leave It to Beaver, which ran in primetime from 1957 to 1963. He also directed episodes of series like Harry and the Hendersons, Coach and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine., Jerry Mathers, who starred opposite Dow as Beaver on their hit sitcom, told fans earlier this month that hed been in contact with Dow, whose managers said had been in and out of the hospital with various complications and treatments.. (Public domain). He was 77 years old Did Tony Dow serve in the military? Tony Bennett was drafted into the Army in 1944 during the final stages of World War II, and served in Germany and France. I would study my lines while on the way, and I had three hours of school a day. (June 16, 1980 - July 27, 2022) (his death), (June 14, 1969 - March 10, 1980) (divorced, 1 child), View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. When celebrities like these disappear from the public eye, its natural to wonder why. In 1986, he wrote an episode of The New Leave It to Beaver. At age 18, he was a high school graduate and decided to join the Air Force Reserve. During the 1970s, Dow continued acting while working in the construction industry, and studying journalism and filmmaking. Fox News: What was it like working on television at such a young age?Dow: I don't have any other recollections of doing anything else. So Long, Stanley. After a successful acting career, he continued to work in Hollywood behind the camera. Summary. The producers chose him because they wanted a boy with a "real boy" attitude. Jerry Mathers had enlisted in the United States Airforce in 1966, under a reserve unit. We never had any of that. In 1978, Dow and Jerry Mathers starred in a production of the comedy play Boeing, Boeing, which ran for 10 weeks in Kansas City, Missouri. Jerry Mathers was born on June 2, 1948 in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. Tony Dow, an actor and director best known for portraying Wally Cleaver on the sitcom Leave It to Beaver, died Wednesday morning, according to his manager Frank Bilotta, citing Dows son Christopher. Despite nearly flunking out of high school, Curtis qualified for signal school and became a Signalman Third Class. It was the early 2000s when the now-74-year-old began pursuing his childhood love of art and created designs produced from burlwood. Thus, he began to carry out the duties of a photographer: As of 2020, Tony Dow net worth is $4 million. And the studio wanted me to do it. He channeled that hope into art, too, sculpting ornate pieces at his home studio. Check your inbox to be the first to know the hottest news. You did a great job playing Wally Cleaver on the sitcom leave it to beaver..You made me laugh. He was mistakenly reported as having been killed in action when a soldier with a similar name appeared on a "KIA" list. And most of the stories came from real life. In 1993, he was an honorary speaker at a convention for the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association. Check out what's clicking today in entertainment. On his return to acting, he guest-starred on the television series Adam-12, Love, American Style, Knight Rider, Square Pegs, The Mod Squad, The Hardy Boys and Emergency! Our generation is the first to have grown up with TV. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. He is also still creating his impressive sculptures and shares their pictures with his Instagram followers. In the late 1960s, he took a break from acting to serve his commitment to the California National Guard. I just thought that wouldn't work. I have several computer companies. Mathers went on to state that though the "world may have lost a star today, but the heavens gained another." The couple is celebrating nearly two decades together this year. Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Between the "Leave it to Beaver" and "The New Leave it to Beaver," Dow and Mathers have appeared in a whopping 300+ TV episodes together. Mathers is best known for his role in the television sitcom Leave It to Beaver, originally broadcast from 1957 to 1963, in which he played Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver, the younger son of the suburban couple June and Ward Cleaver (Barbara Billingsley and Hugh Beaumont, respectively) and the brother of Wally Cleaver (Tony Dow . I think people should take the leap of faith that they can feel better, he said. Moreover, between soap operas and TV series, he created several wall graphics with his friend in offices and restaurants around Los Angeles. Topanga, California, USA (cancer) Birth name Anthony Lee Dow Height 5 8 (1.73 m) Mini Bio Tony Dow was an American actor, film producer, television director, and sculptor from Los Angeles, California. During the years 1965-1968, Dow was a member of the National Guard, which caused a hiatus in his acting career. [4] He won the role of Wally Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver in a casting call with almost no acting experience. Mathers appeared in the SNL sketch with Leave It To Beaver co-star Tony Dow. From 1983 to 1989, Dow reprised his role as Wally Cleaver in a reunion television movie and in a subsequent series The New Leave It to Beaver. It starred Jerry Mathers, Barbara Billingsley, Hugh Beaumont and Ken Osmond, among others. They dont quite understand it. So I had to make a choice. The rest of the time, we were shooting., Tony Dow promoting his role as Wally Cleaver. Known professionally as Tony Curtis, but born Bernard Schwartz to Hungarian Jewish parents in New York City, Curtis joined the US Navy in 1943. Between July 1, 1942 and June 30, 1945, 109,382 foreign-born members of the US Armed Forces became naturalized citizens.