Leave It to Beaver’s Tony Dow Dead at 77

On July 26, Tony’s management shared a statement on Facebook announcing “the passing of our beloved Tony.” However, later that day, the message was removed and the actors’ son clarified that his father was still alive and in hospice.

“He has family and friends surrounding him,” Christopher confirmed in a statement to NBC News that day. “He is on hospice and in his last hours. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers during this difficult time.”

Before his passing, the Hollywood veteran had been candid about his recent health struggles. In August 2021, he was hospitalized with pneumonia, which his agent Frank Bilotta confirmed on Facebook at the time. Nine months later, Tony and his wife, Lauren Shulkin, put out a joint statement on Facebook revealing the “very sad news” that Tony was battling cancer.