Tony Dow, 'Leave It to Beaver' star, is under hospice care in ‘last hours,’ son says

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Tony Dow, known for his role as Wally Cleaver on "Leave It to Beaver," is under hospice care in his "last hours," his son tells Fox News Digital. 

"This is a difficult time," Christopher Dow said. "Yes, he is still alive, but in his last hours; under hospice care." 

Earlier Tuesday, Dow's management team said that the actor had died in a Facebook post, but the social media post has since been taken down. 

Tony Dow as Wally Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver." (ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Dow's wife, Lauren Shulkind, gave the "false information" to his management team, his son explained to Fox News Digital. Per TMZ, Dow's wife is "very distraught" and "believed her husband was dead." She then told Dow's management team. 

Christopher also shared an update to Facebook, writing: "This is a difficult time. Dad is at home, under hospice care, and in his last hours. My wife and I are by his side along with many friends that have visited. He has a fighting heart."

Jerry Mathers and Tony Dow in "Leave It to Beaver." (Abc/Kobal/Shutterstock)

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In May, Shulkind announced his cancer had returned — just a month after he celebrated his 77th birthday.

Dow starred alongside Hugh Beaumont, Jerry Mathers and Barbara Billingsley in the TV series "Leave It to Beaver." (Getty Images)

Dow participated in multiple spin-offs of "Leave It to Beaver." (Getty Images)

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"Dear friends and fans of Tony Dow, I have some very sad news to share with you," Shulkind wrote at the time. "Unfortunately, Tony has once again been diagnosed with cancer. He is approaching this reality so bravely, but it is truly heartbreaking. 

"We want to thank you in advance for your caring thoughts. Our Love, Lauren & Tony."

Dow starred alongside Jerry Mathers, Barbara Billingsley, Hugh Beaumont and Ken Osmond in "Leave it to Beaver" during his childhood. The show originally ran for six seasons on CBS before switching to ABC.

The actor participated in the reunion show, "Still the Beaver," and the show’s sequel series, "The New Leave It to Beaver."

Tony Dow, known for his role as Wally Cleaver on "Leave It to Beaver," is under hospice care in his "last hours," his son tells Fox News Digital.

Dow's wife announced his cancer had returned in May 2022. (Photo by Shutterstock)

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Dow was also known for his roles in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Babylon 5."