Tony Dow Net Worth & Bio (2024)

Mike

Updated January 12, 2024
Disclosure

Discover Tony Dow’s net worth and life, from his iconic role in “Leave it to Beaver” to his successful directing and sculpting career.

What is Tony Dow’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death, Tony Dow’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million, a testament to his success in the entertainment industry.

Who is Tony Dow?

Tony Dow is an American actor, director, and producer who gained fame for his role as Wally Cleaver on the popular TV show “Leave It to Beaver.”

Throughout his career, he worked on various TV shows, films, and stage productions, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Dow’s role as Wally Cleaver on “Leave It to Beaver” was a significant milestone in his career, as it helped establish him as a household name and cemented his place in pop culture history.

Tony Dow’s Early Life

Tony Dow was born on April 13, 1945, in Hollywood, California. He grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the entertainment industry. His mother was an actress, and his father was a general contractor who worked on film sets.

Tony Dow’s parents encouraged him to pursue athletics, and he excelled in swimming and diving. He began training as a swimmer at a young age and became a Junior Olympics diving champion.

Tony Dow’s acting career began when he was cast as a young boy in a commercial for Chevrolet. His performance in the commercial caught the attention of producers for the television show “Leave it to Beaver,” and he was offered the role of Wally Cleaver, the older brother of the show’s protagonist, Beaver.

Dow played the role for the duration of the show’s six-season run, from 1957 to 1963. His portrayal of Wally Cleaver made him a beloved television star and helped to launch his acting career.

tradingview banner — Get a TradingView Free Trial

Television Career

Tony Dow’s role as Wally Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver” became a defining moment in his career, but he continued to work in the television industry for decades after the show ended.

After “Leave it to Beaver” ended in 1963, Dow continued to make guest appearances on popular shows like “Dr. Kildare” and “My Three Sons.” In 1965, he landed a starring role on the teen soap opera “Never Too Young,” which lasted for one season.

Dow took a break from acting in the late 1960s to attend college and pursue a career as a director. However, he returned to acting in the 1970s and appeared on shows like “Adam-12” and “Emergency!”

In the 1980s, Dow reprised his role as Wally Cleaver in two revival series: “Still the Beaver” and “The New Leave it to Beaver.” He also directed several episodes of these series.

Directing Career

After working in front of the camera for several years, Tony Dow decided to explore the world of directing. He started as a dialogue coach for the TV show “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries” and later worked as a director’s assistant for shows like “Vega$” and “Quincy M.E.”

In 1985, Dow made his directorial debut with an episode of the television series “The New Lassie.” He went on to direct episodes of various shows such as “Harry and the Hendersons,” “Swamp Thing,” and “Coach.”

Dow’s work as a director on the science fiction television series “Babylon 5” is particularly noteworthy. He directed several episodes of the show, including “The Long Night,” “Epiphanies,” and “Objects at Rest.” Dow also worked as a visual effects supervisor on the series, overseeing the creation of special effects sequences.

In addition to “Babylon 5,” Dow also directed an episode of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” titled “Field of Fire” in 1998. The episode was praised for its suspenseful storyline and effective use of special effects.

Film Career

Despite his success on television, Tony Dow’s film career was not as extensive. He had a memorable appearance in the 1977 film “The Kentucky Fried Movie” in a sketch called “Catholic High School Girls in Trouble.”

In the sketch, Dow played the boyfriend of a high school girl who was visited by a group of nuns trying to sell magazines. The scene is comedic and satirical, which was typical of the film’s style.

In 2003, Dow made a cameo appearance in the comedy film “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.” He played himself in the film, which starred David Spade.

Tony Dow’s Death

Tony Dow’s personal life was not always without challenges. Dow was married to his wife, Lauren Shulkind, for over three decades, and they had one child together.

However, Dow also struggled with depression and addiction throughout his life. In a 2017 interview with Fox News, he opened up about his addiction, revealing that he had been sober for over 25 years.

Sadly, on July 16, 2022, Tony Dow passed away at the age of 77. His cause of death has not been officially disclosed, but it is known that he had been in declining health for some time. His death was mourned by fans and fellow celebrities alike, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his life and legacy.

Despite his struggles, Tony Dow left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and will always be remembered for his iconic role as Wally Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver,” as well as his impressive career as a director, sculptor, and artist.