Leave It to Beaver actor Tony Dow has passed away at the age of 77, his reps have confirmed.
The American actor, film producer, and director died on Wednesday morning with his family at his side at his home in Topanga, California.
A post on his official Facebook page read: “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.”
The post continued: "We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many. One fan said it best - 'It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony'."
A statement from Dow’s son Christopher was also included in the post and read: "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'."
A post on Dow's official Facebook page from reps Frank Bilotta and Renee James said that the actor, who had been battling cancer, had died Tuesday morning, but that was deleted. Another post a few hours later said that he was still alive.
Dow was best known for his role as Wally Cleaver in the television sitcom Leave It to Beaver from 1957 to 1963.
From 1983 to 1989, Dow reprised his role as Wally in a television movie and in The New Leave It to Beaver.
