Who Is Lauren Shulkind? Everything to Know about Tony Dow's Wife

Following Tony Dow's demise, his wife, Lauren Shulkind, became a widow. She was devastated by Dow's decline in health and shared how much he loved and adored the actor. Here's more about her.

American actor Tony Dow passed away at 77, as confirmed by his son Cristopher. Dow was famously known for bringing to life Wally Cleaver on the hit sitcom "Leave It to Beaver."

The devastating news came a day after Dow's wife and managing team wrongfully reported his passing. The report caused confusion amongst the public but was later clarified.

"Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place," Cristopher said of his dad's passing. "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."

Dow battled cancer before dying of the disease. However, his health struggles were more manageable with his wife, Laure Shulkind, by his side. Here's more about her.

WHO IS LAUREN SHULKIND?

Born in New York City in 1975, Shulkind gained fame when she started a romantic relationship with Dow in 1980. Although she lives a private life, Shulkind is known as a mosaic artist, sharing the same creative mind as her husband, whose craft is acting.

Shulkind met her husband in Kansas City in 1978 and married him in Laguna Beach on June 16, 1980. According to Dow's Facebook post, as per the Sun, they tied the knot "among the hermit crabs and tide pools."

Although they don't have children together, Dow was already a father to one son, Christopher, before meeting Shulkind. He welcomed his only child on March 26, 1973, while married to his first wife, Carol Marlow, from 1969 to 1980.

Instead of caring for little ones, Shulkind and her spouse had a sweet and furry dog named Poppy. Their fur baby appeared in one of Dow's posts, resting with his parents outdoors.

SHULKIND HAS BEEN 'DISTRAUGHT' IN HER HUSBAND'S LAST MOMENTS

Shulkind did not take her husband's declining health easily. As per reporter George Pennacchio, "[Lauren was] understandably distraught and grief-stricken about what's been going on with Tony's health battle these past months."

Although he found success in Hollywood, Dow fell into depression between his 20s and 40s because he felt he couldn’t detach himself from his character.

Dow has been in hospice care in his home due to his health struggles. Shulkind "inferred" that her husband died while talking to close friends. The mistake spread soon after. Pennacchio added:

"Lauren admits she's been a little fuzzy these days – understandable. She told me she now feels 'foolish' about what has transpired since his death has been reported around the world. She also told me, through her pain, 'it is of my own doing."

Shulkind unconditionally "loves and adores" her husband of 42 years and devoted much of her time to helping him recover.

LAUREN HELPED HER HUSBAND BATTLE DEPRESSION

Tony Dow, born on April 13, 1945, shot into fame for starring in "Leave It to Beaver." During the show, he formed life-long relations with his co-stars, including Jerry Mathers, who played the titular character.

Although he found success in Hollywood, Dow fell into depression between his 20s and 40s because he felt he couldn’t detach himself from his character.

Fortunately, art helped him recover from any negative emotions. Shulkind also played a significant role in Dow's struggle with depression, and she is proud of how he was able to control his emotions. He later learned how good the show was and how grateful he was for being a part of it.