‘Leave It to Beaver’ star Tony Dow still alive, mistakenly announced as dead
“Leave It to Beaver” star Tony Dow’s death was prematurely announced on Tuesday after his wife, Lauren Shulkind, mistakenly notified the actor’s management team, according to TMZ.
Dow’s manager told the outlet that Shulkind, 75, was “very distraught” over the condition of her husband — who is currently in hospice care — and believed he had been declared dead.
However, the actor, known for his role as Wally Cleaver, is reportedly still alive.
Page Six has reached out to Dow’s rep for further clarification but has not heard back yet.
Earlier on Tuesday, Dow’s official Facebook page posted a now-deleted post from his management team, announcing the actor’s death.
The statement — from Frank Bilotta and Renee James — read, “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. 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.”
Dow, 77, and Shuklind announced in May that the “Still the Beaver” star had been diagnosed with cancer, but did not reveal what kind.
Dow’s management team then shared an update on their client’s health in a Facebook post on July 20 that said the actor’s health had been a “rollercoaster of ups and downs.”
“Tony has been in and out of the hospital with various complications and treatments,” the statement said.
“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.”
Dow’s team has not posted any statements on that Facebook page about the reported death announcement mixup.
Meanwhile, fans on social media have reacted to the conflicting news after sharing several tributes.
One person tweeted, “The question of whether or not Tony Dow was dead was not on my 2022 Bingo card.”
