Tony Dow Net Worth: Tony Dow, a renowned American actor, carved a lasting legacy through his portrayal of Wally Cleaver in the iconic television series “Leave It to Beaver.” Beyond his successful acting career, he ventured behind the scenes in Hollywood.
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Growing up in the heart of Los Angeles in the Hollywood neighborhood, Tony harbored dreams of becoming a child actor. His role as Wally Cleaver not only fulfilled this aspiration but also became his enduring identity. However, as an adult, acting became just one facet of his multifaceted career. He embarked on diverse career paths, including construction, and later rekindled his passion for sculpting—a pursuit he cherished until his passing.
Tony Dow remains a highly respected and accomplished figure in Hollywood. Delving into the journey that led to his fame unveils a remarkable story of talent and determination.
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Profiles summary
| Full name | Anthony Lee Dow |
| Date of birth | 13th April 1945 |
| Date of death | 27th July 2022 |
| Age at death | 77 years |
| Place of birth | Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Place of death | Topanga, California, United States |
| Cause of death | Liver cancer |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Gender | Male |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | Was married |
| Wife | Carol Marlow (1969 to 1980), Lauren Shulking (from 1980 to July 2022) |
| Children | One, son Christopher (from first marriage to Carol) |
| Parents | Stuntwoman Muriel Virginia, designer and contractor John Stevens Dow |
| Profession | Actor, director, producer, sculptor |
| Years active | 1949 to July 2022 |
Tony Dow Net Worth
Tony Dow, the accomplished American actor, director, and sculptor, possessed a net worth of $4 million during his lifetime. His financial legacy remained at $4 million. Tony Dow’s diverse sources of income extended beyond his acting career, encompassing roles as a:
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- Producer
- Visual artist
- Film director
- Owner of a production company
- Sculptor
Who is Tony Dow?
Tony Dow, a celebrated American figure, left an indelible mark as an actor, director, producer, and sculptor. He achieved widespread recognition for his iconic role as Wally Cleaver in the beloved sitcom “Leave It to Beaver” from 1957 to 1963, a role he reprised in later sequels. Tragically, he departed in July 2022, succumbing to a battle with liver cancer, leaving behind a rich legacy of contributions to the entertainment industry.
How old is Tony Dow?
Born on April 13, 1945, Tony Dow, the beloved American actor known for his role in “Leave It to Beaver,” passed away on July 27, 2022, at the age of 77.
Early life
Tony Dow was born in the vibrant Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. He came into the world as the son of Muriel Virginia, a skilled stuntwoman in Western films, and John Stevens Dow, a versatile designer and contractor.
During his youth, Tony’s talents extended beyond acting. He honed his skills as a swimmer and achieved recognition as a Junior Olympics diving champion.
Career
Tony Dow’s artistic journey spanned a diverse spectrum of creative endeavors. Initially rising to fame as a teenage actor, he etched his name into television history with his portrayal of the beloved character Wally Cleaver in “Leave It to Beaver” from 1957 to 1963. This iconic role paved the way for his enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the screen, Dow committed to serving his country by joining the US National Guard in 1965 and contributed his skills to the construction industry, notably in luxury condominium projects.
His evolution continued as he ventured into directing, debuting in 1989 with an episode of “The New Lassie” and later helming episodes of renowned shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Crusade,” “Harry and the Hendersons,” “Get a Life,” and “Babylon 5.”
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In addition to directing, Dow wore the producer’s hat, overseeing projects like “It Came from Outer Space II” (1996) and “The Adventures of Captain Zoom in Outer Space” (1995).
The 1990s marked a pivotal period in Tony Dow’s life as he discovered his passion for modern-art sculpting, with a focus on abstract bronze creations. His dedication to art deepened after a clinical depression diagnosis, and he exclusively represented his work through the Karen Lynne Gallery in Beverly Hills, California.
Dow’s artistic odyssey transcended borders when he proudly represented the United States at the Socíété Nationale des Beaux-Arts exhibition in Paris in 2008. He later found solace and continued sculpting in the tranquil surroundings of Topanga Canyon, California, leaving behind a profound legacy of creativity and dedication that resonates to this day.
Was Tony Dow married?
Tony Dow embarked on two significant journeys of matrimony:
- Carol Marie Marlow
Tony met Carol Marie Marlow while she was working in an advertising agency. Their union was sealed with wedding vows exchanged on June 14, 1969. In 1973, the couple welcomed their first child. However, their marital path diverged on March 10, 1980, as they chose to part ways.
- Lauren Shulkind
Tony found love again with mosaic artist Lauren Shulkind. Their love story culminated in marriage on June 16, 1980. Approximately four decades ago, they discovered a house nestled in the Topanga Canyon of Los Angeles County. Together, they transformed it into an idyllic haven for artists, adorned with their meticulously hand-crafted decorations.
Lauren speaks with admiration of Tony’s diverse talents, encompassing building, designing, and sculpting, remarking on his passion and capability in these endeavors.
Is Tony Dow alive?
Tony Dow, unfortunately, is no longer with us. In May 2022, he received the distressing diagnosis of liver cancer. Regrettably, he passed away on July 27, 2022, a day that saw initial widespread misreporting of his demise.
Was Tony Dow in the military?
During the late 1960s, Tony Dow temporarily stepped away from his acting career to fulfill his commitment to the California National Guard. However, his stance on not carrying a weapon posed a unique challenge for the CNG.
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In response, he was assigned the role of a photographer, a position that aligned with his principles. Tony humorously reflected on this by saying, “That’s why they made me a photographer; they couldn’t figure out what I could do without carrying a weapon because I wouldn’t even carry a sidearm. In my own way, I made my own statement.”
Children
Tony Dow is a proud father to his son, Christopher, who was born on March 26, 1973. Christopher, like his father, pursued a career in acting, continuing the family tradition in the entertainment industry.
Tony’s son, Christopher, is a testament to the enduring legacy of talent within the Dow family.
Leave it to Beaver
In the late 1950s, Tony Dow decided to try his luck at a casting call for the popular sitcom “Leave It to Beaver.” Despite having little prior acting experience, Dow successfully secured the role of Wally Cleaver, the older son of June (Barbara Billingsley) and Ward (Hugh Beaumont) Cleaver.
On the show, he shared the screen with Jerry Mathers, who portrayed his younger brother, Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver. “Leave It to Beaver” became a massive hit, running for a total of 234 episodes until 1963. The series concluded with Beaver on the brink of high school graduation, and Wally preparing for college. Tony Dow’s performance as Wally Cleaver contributed significantly to the show’s enduring popularity.
