Tony Dow’s Wife of 42 Years Pays Painful Tribute to Late Husband: He Was Mistakenly Declared Dead Day before Demise

• Tony Dow was an actor and director famously known for his role as Wally in "Leave It to Beaver."
• The actor's management team announced his death prematurely, but Dow lost his battle with cancer soon after.
• He was a loving husband and a doting father and grandfather.

Tony Dow was an actor and director known for his role as Wally in the iconic TV show, "Leave It to Beaver." His management team prematurely announced his death on July 26, 2022.

However, soon after the deleted Facebook announcement, the actor's son Christopher clarified that his father was alive in a hospice surrounded by his family. The actor's son thanked everyone for their support and prayers during the challenging time.

During his younger days, Dow did not think acting would be his career because he was an Olympics diving champion. His first role landed on his lap unexpectedly.

The actor-director did not have any experience in the entertainment industry. However, he tagged along with a friend and ended up having an impromptu audition for "Leave It to Beaver" and landed the role of Wally.

The show first aired in 1957 and ended in 1963. The actor returned for the movie "Still the Beaver" and the reboot series "The New Leave It to Beaver," for which he also directed five episodes and wrote one.

He then began his career as a writer and director but continued to act. Dow went on to work on several productions such as, "Harry and the Hendersons," "Coach," "Babylon 5" and "Honey I Shrunk the Kids."

From there, the actor appeared in many more shows like "General Hospital," "Mr. Novak," "Never Too Young," "Lassie," "Love, American Style," and more.

After Dow started his career young, he battled depression in his 20s and created a self-help video called "Beating the Blues" to help others struggling with mental health issues.

Dow also experienced long-running health complications. He slowly faded out of the spotlight, became a sculptor, and started a construction company.

A few months before Dow's death was accidentally announced, he and his wife, Lauren Shulkind, released a statement revealing that the actor was diagnosed with cancer for the second time.

"Dear Friends & Fans of Tony Dow, I have some very sad news to share with you. Unfortunately, Tony has once again been diagnosed with cancer," the statement read. It was heartbreaking for the family to watch him battle cancer again.

The actor's management team also released an update about how Dow was doing. He was reportedly in and out of hospital and undergoing multiple treatments. Although it was difficult, he and his wife tried their best to stay positive.

Tony Dow’s Long-Standing Marriage with His Wife

Dow lost his battle with cancer on July 27 2022, a day after his son said he was in hospice care. His death was gut-wrenching for his wife, Shulkind, who had been by his side throughout his illness.

A few days after Dow's death, Shulkind shared a message about how heartbroken she was about the loss. "I've just lost the love of my life, a man whom I cherished and adored," she expressed.

The couple went through the highs and lows of Dow's health, but their love only got stronger. For most of their marriage, Shulkind said they lived a fairy tale.

"We were devoted to each other for 45 years, and together we created a beautiful life," she gushed. She thanked everyone for their messages and uplifting words, then ended her post by writing, "Rest in peace, My Love."

A year after his passing, Shulkind posted another heartfelt message. She could not believe she had survived 12 months without her beloved husband. Even with him being gone, Shulkind was still in love with his features, like his blue eyes and many other qualities that made her fall in love with him.

Dow's costar on "Leave It to Beaver," Jerry Mathers also shared a sweet tribute to his friend on his first death anniversary. Mathers was also in disbelief that it had already been a year since the actor had passed.

However, he still held on to their amazing years of working together. Mathers wrote, "I am so grateful that we were able to share 65 wonderful years together, and I do miss him so very much…"

Dow's death touched many of his friends and family. But his loved ones will continue to cherish him and the iconic roles he got to play in his lifetime.

Tony Dow Was a Doting Dad and Grandfather

Dow was a doting father to his son Christopher whom he welcomed during his marriage with Carol Marie Theresa Marlow in 1973. The two were together from 1969 to 1980. The director married his second wife in 1980, and they stayed together until Dow's death.

Christopher got a taste of the acting industry when he was young. He played the younger version of his father as Wally and would appear during the character's flashbacks in the 1980s reboot of "Leave It to Beaver."

Since playing the younger version of his father's characters, Christopher did not appear in any more productions. He decided to lead a quiet life outside of the Hollywood limelight.

Fortunately, Dow got to experience the joys of being a grandfather before he died. He used to proudly share the different generations that have come out of his family and the special moments with his grandkids.

In one photo, he was lying on the floor with his son standing behind him and his granddaughter, Tyla, sitting beside him. "3 Generations of Dow's: Tyla, Christopher, and Papa, taken about 7 years ago," the actor wrote.

In another Facebook post, Dow shared pictures of him smiling with his grandkids and wrote, "Happiness is...GRANDKIDS!!"

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