The news of his passing was released by his management team, although the actor is still alive.
It was wrongly announced that the California-born actor, director, and producer Tony Dow passed away.
The false news was announced in a statement from Dow’s team on Facebook, Tuesday, July 26.
“Tony was a beautiful soul – kind, compassionate, funny, and humble,” the post read.
“It was truly a joy to just be around him. 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,” it concluded.
The post has since been taken down.
Dow was born in California, and trained as a swimmer in his younger years, even making it to the Junior Olympics.
But in his teens, he ventured into the acting world.
Dow is best known for his role in the television sitcom Leave It to Beaver.
He played Wally Cleaver, the “all-American” boy, and fans immediately loved his schoolboy charm.
Amazingly, Dow managed to win the role with almost no acting experience after he tagged along with his friends to audition.
The show ran in primetime from 1957 to 1963, and fans watched as his character grew with him.
After the series came to an end, Dow ventured into other roles, appearing in a variety of TV shows…
Such as; My Three Sons, Dr. Kildare, The Greatest Show on Earth, and Never Too Young, he also appeared in Mr. Novak 3 times, all as different people. Â
He took a 3-year break from acting in 1965 when he served in the U.S. National Guard.
But returned soon after, taking on many more acting roles in the ’70s while also working in the construction industry alongside studying journalism and filmmaking.
After a successful decade on screen, Dow returned as the character that began his journey in 1983, Wally Cleaver.
This time appearing in both a movie and the series The New Leave It to Beaver.
As well as acting, Dow is also a talented director, making his debut on an episode of The New Lassie…
Followed by his most notable contributions to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5.
Dow later became the visual effects supervisor for Babylon 5.
And in 1996, he was in charge of the visual effects for the Doctor Who movie by Fox television.
He has done a great deal over his lifetime.
The most recent movie Dow has starred in is the 2003 film Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.
And fans were ecstatic to see him back on the big screen.
So reports that he had died, understandably, came as a huge shock to his fans.
Despite the false statement, the actor is very much alive but is currently under hospice care…
His son told Fox News that he is in his “last hours.”
“This is a difficult time,” Christopher Dow said. “Yes, he is still alive, but in his last hours; under hospice care.”
The star was diagnosed with cancer in May this year.
Dow’s wife, Lauren Shulkind shared the news at the time, writing…
“Dear friends and 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.Â
“We want to thank you in advance for your caring thoughts. Our Love, Lauren & Tony.”
After discovering the false news of his father’s death had been released, Christopher shared an update on Facebook, writing: “This is a difficult time. Dad is at home, under hospice care, and in his last hours.
“My wife and I are by his side along with many friends that have visited. He has a fighting heart.”
As it turns out, Dow’s wife had given “false information” to his management team, as per TMZ. Shulkind is believed to be “very distraught” and “believed her husband was dead.”
Thankfully he’s still alive.
Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.