Vale: Tony Dow

UPDATED:

US actor Tony Dow, best known for nostalgic comedy Leave It to Beaver, has died, aged 77 -a day after premature reports of his death.

“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. We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man,” read the statement on his official Facebook page.

Dow appeared on series including General Hospital, Mr. Novak, Never Too Young, Lassie, Love, American Style, Square Pegs and The Love Boat, on which he played himself. He also played himself in the 2003 comedy Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, which featured cameos of dozens of former young actors, and appeared in the John Landis skit comedy feature The Kentucky Fried Movie. and directed episodes of Harry and the Hendersons, Coach, Babylon 5, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

EARLIER:

US actor Tony Dow, best known for nostalgic comedy Leave It to Beaver, has NOT died -despite US reports he had passsed at the age of 77.

His official Facebook page posted that he died on Tuesday morning following a battle with cancer.

“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,” read a message from his management team.

His son Christopher said in the Facebook statement, “Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero. My wife said something powerful and shows the kind of man he was. She said: ‘Tony was such a kind man. He had such a huge heart and I’ve never heard Tony say a bad or negative thing about anyone.’”

The post has since been deleted.

Jerry Mathers’ who played Beaver wrote, “He was not only my brother on TV, but in many ways in life as well. Tony leaves an empty place in my heart that won’t be filled. 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 together with for 65 years.”

But The New York Times reported that the statement released to Facebook was inaccurate and he is still alive.

A new Facebook note posted: “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. 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.”

Dow played older brother Wally Cleaver on Leave it to Beaver between 1957 and 1963.

SourceL Variety, Hollywood Reporter