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What happened to Tony Dow? Here's the TRUTH behind rumors of 'Leave it to Beaver' star's death at 77

Dow's wife thought her husband was dead and informed his manager, which resulted in a statement being posted on the star's official Facebook page
UPDATED JUL 28, 2022
The rumors about Tony Dow's death had gone viral on the Internet (Frederick M Brown/Getty Images)
The rumors about Tony Dow's death had gone viral on the Internet (Frederick M Brown/Getty Images)

Update: A day after it was reported that Tony Dow is in hospice care and was mistakenly reported dead, news comes of the actor's death. The news of his demise was confirmed by his family including his wife Lauren Shulkind and their son Christopher. 

A new statement made on the actor's Facebook page on Wednesday, July 26, from his management reads, "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." 

He had been diagnosed with liver cancer in May.

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Three months after he was diagnosed with cancer, ‘Leave it to Beaver’ star Tony Dow is now under hospital care. On Tuesday, July 26, the news of Dow's death went viral on the Internet. However, it was later clarified that the 77-year-old actor was alright.

In May, the actor and his wife Lauren Shulkind released a joint statement disclosing the "very sad news" of his cancer diagnosis. No details were given. "Dear Friends & Fans of Tony Dow, I have some very sad news to share with you. Unfortunately, Tony has once again been diagnosed with cancer. He is approaching this reality so bravely, but it is truly heartbreaking," the statement read.

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TMZ published that Dow's wife thought her husband was dead and informed his manager, which resulted in a statement being posted to the star's official Facebook page. 

American actor Tony Dow (left, as Wally Cleaver) washes dishes with a towel as he stands in the kitchen alongside an unidentified actress and Jerry Mathers (as the Beaver) who sits and gives the camera a glance, circa 1960. (Photo by ABC Television/Courtesy of Getty Images)
Tony Dow (left, as Wally Cleaver) washes dishes with a towel as he stands in the kitchen alongside an unidentified actress and Jerry Mathers (as the Beaver) who sits and glances at the camera, circa 1960 (ABC Television/Courtesy of Getty Images)

An updated announcement was posted soon. “This morning Tony’s wife Lauren, who was very distraught, had notified us that Tony had passed and asked that we notify all his fans. As we are sure you can understand, this has been a very trying time for her,” the new announcement read. “We have since received a call from Tony’s daughter-in-law saying that while Tony is not doing well, he has not yet passed. Tony’s son Christopher and his daughter-in-law Melissa have also been by his side comforting him, and we will keep you posted on any future updates.” The post was later deleted.

Dow's son Christopher told Fox News that his dad might be in his last hours. "This is a difficult time. Yes, he is still alive but in his last hours. Under hospice care," he said.

Apart from starring in 'Leave It to Beaver', Dow has directed episodes of popular series such as 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine', 'Coach', and 'Harry and the Hendersons'. 

Actors Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers introduce the Most Beautiful Braces Award onstage during the 5th Annual TV Land Awards held at Barker Hangar on April 14, 2007 in Santa Monica, California.  The 5th Annual TV Land Awards show will premiere on TV Land network on Sunday, April 22, 2007.
Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers during the 5th Annual TV Land Awards held at Barker Hangar on April 14, 2007, in Santa Monica, California (Getty Images)

In 2021, many news outlets had mistakenly reported that former Bond girl Tanya Roberts had died at 65. This was after her manager Mike Pingel and domestic partner Lance O'Brien prematurely announced her demise. Roberts died due to a urinary tract infection that spread across her gallbladder, liver, kidney, and bloodstream at least 24 hours after the hushed-up announcement.

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