History of Tony Dow in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 8, 2025

Tony Dow was a renowned American actor, producer, director, and sculptor best known for his role as Wally Cleaver in the classic sitcom "Leave It to Beaver." Airing from 1957 to 1963, the show cemented Dow's place in television history. He later revived the character in the 1983 TV movie "Still the Beaver" and the subsequent series "The New Leave It to Beaver," which ran from 1983 to 1989. Beyond his acting career, Dow pursued artistic endeavors in sculpting.

April 13, 1945: Birth of Tony Dow

Tony Dow was born on April 13, 1945.

1957: Start of Leave It to Beaver

In 1957, Tony Dow began his role as Wally Cleaver in the television series "Leave It to Beaver".

1957: Casting as Wally Cleaver

In 1957, Tony Dow was cast as Wally Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver".

1963: End of Leave It to Beaver

In 1963, Tony Dow's role as Wally Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver" ended.

1963: Conclusion of Original Run

Tony Dow's role as Wally Cleaver concluded with the end of "Leave It to Beaver" in 1963.

1965: Military Service Begins

Tony Dow began serving in the California Army National Guard in 1965.

1968: Military Service Ends

Tony Dow's service in the California Army National Guard ended in 1968.

June 1969: Marriage to Carol Marlow

Tony Dow married Carol Marlow in June 1969.

1973: Birth of Child

Tony Dow's child was born in 1973.

1977: Parody in The Kentucky Fried Movie

Tony Dow parodied his Wally Cleaver role in "The Kentucky Fried Movie" in 1977.

1978: Stage Performances

In 1978, Tony Dow starred in a production of "Boeing, Boeing" and toured in "So Long, Stanley".

June 1980: Marriage to Lauren Shulkind

Tony Dow married Lauren Shulkind in June 1980.

1983: Return as Wally Cleaver

In 1983, Tony Dow reprised his role as Wally Cleaver in a reunion television movie.

1986: Writing for The New Leave It to Beaver

Tony Dow wrote an episode of "The New Leave It to Beaver" in 1986.

1987: Lifetime Achievement Award

Tony Dow received the Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award from the Young Artist Foundation in 1987.

1989: End of The New Leave It to Beaver Series

The sequel series "The New Leave It to Beaver", featuring Tony Dow as Wally Cleaver, concluded in 1989.

1989: Directorial Debut

Tony Dow made his directorial debut with an episode of "The New Lassie" in 1989.

1995: Co-producer of Captain Zoom

Tony Dow co-produced "The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space" in 1995.

1996: Co-producer of It Came from Outer Space II

Tony Dow co-produced "It Came from Outer Space II" in 1996.

1996: Visual Effects for Doctor Who

Tony Dow worked as a visual effects supervisor for the FOX television movie "Doctor Who" in 1996.

1998: Release of "Beating the Blues"

Tony Dow starred in the self-help video "Beating the Blues" in 1998.

December 2008: Sculpture Exhibition at the Louvre

In December 2008, Tony Dow exhibited his sculptures at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in the Carrousel du Louvre.

2021: Hospitalization for Pneumonia

Tony Dow was hospitalized with pneumonia in 2021.

May 2022: Cancer Diagnosis

Tony Dow was diagnosed with liver cancer in May 2022.

July 27, 2022: Death of Tony Dow

Tony Dow passed away on July 27, 2022.

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