Tony Dow’s wife incorrectly reported that he had died, family says

The original cast of the "Leave It To Beaver," from left: Ken Osmond, Mr. Dow, Barbara Billingsley and Jerry Mathers.Wally Fong/Associated Press

Tony Dow, the actor who endeared himself to millions of TV viewers as Wally Cleaver, the all-American big brother on the wholesome sitcom “Leave It to Beaver,” is not dead, according to his family.

Dow’s death had been reported earlier on Tuesday by multiple outlets after his wife Lauren notified the actor’s management team that Tony had passed, according to a Facebook post. The management team now says it has since received a call from Tony’s daughter-in-law saying that while Tony is not doing well, he is still alive.

Lauren Dow also confirmed to CBS that her husband is still alive and breathing, but is in hospice care.

Tony Dow has been battling liver cancer.

Mr. Dow as Wally (sitting), with Jerry Mathers as Beaver and Hugh Beaumont and Barbara Billingsley as Ward and June Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver."