Tony Dow on a life of art post-"Leave It to Beaver"

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2 жыл бұрын

Beginning at age 12, Tony Dow played Wally Cleaver, the polite, trustworthy "All-American" big brother on the classic sitcom "Leave It to Beaver." But for years Dow lived in the shadow of his adolescent stardom, and was dogged by feelings of depression. Dow talks with correspondent Jim Axelrod about looking beyond the curse of being linked forever to the character of Wally, and how, through creating art, and with the support of his wife, Lauren (also an artist), he addressed the struggles that life often presents.
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Пікірлер: 510

@philipsmith3084 2 жыл бұрын

Tony may not realize it, but for all of us in that age group, we still love him and Always will.

@dbrew2u 2 жыл бұрын

As much as i hate to say it after watching this and hearing about his battle with Depression . But he will always remain Wally to us Boomers .

@annward4149 2 жыл бұрын

Forever will love him !!! I don't think he ever knew how much he was loved by his fans

@christhomas5761 2 жыл бұрын

@@dbrew2u , Tony is Wally to many before the Boomers during the Boomers and after the Boomers ... He is loved by so many .

@aitch3 Жыл бұрын

God I hope he knows it! 💖💗💛💫

@ifkncantbelieveit Жыл бұрын

You are right on, he seems like a kind soul

@J2TheBlaze Жыл бұрын

Rip Tony, what a gentle soul he was.

@franklinhernandez683 2 ай бұрын

Look at that that man bought that car from him which actually made money for him and made money for Tony Dow and then when he died he left that car back to him that's what you call human connection in humanity in people in America at a time that it was different

@scottmoore1614 Жыл бұрын

Rest In Peace, Tony Dow. You were an exceptional artist.

@bellbookcandle3051 Жыл бұрын

@Baron Munchausen _What's wrong with you?_

@labenvenci1584 Жыл бұрын

@Baron Munchausen Your a artist too? Name every art piece.

@janineiacino7991 Жыл бұрын

@Baron Munchausen 😊😇

@JudgeJulieLit Жыл бұрын

@Baron Munchausen As Tony Dow's Impressionist yet Cubist and Abstract Expressionist sculptural creations have been shown in the Louvre museum, being in the pioneering originalist masterpiece modern artist league and of the highest vision realizationist and formal perfectionist calibre of Rodin and Henri Moore, likely they have been out of the price range of even Baron Munchausen; and now that their maestro sculptor has passed away, will become priceless.

@jeffreyanderson7465 Жыл бұрын

He was wonderful actor who want to be Wally we all love Tony Dow and give real respect to him

@marksacher3866 Жыл бұрын

As a kid growing up in the 70s seeing old reruns of this show, I can honestly say Tony was a good role model for young boys.

@janetclaireSays Жыл бұрын

And through the depression and anger he struggled with, he appears to have made a really great life for himself. RIP Tony Dow. Thank you.

@jimgarrison7340 2 жыл бұрын

Tony Dow's character "Wally" was a great role model for millions of boys in the 50s-60s.

@aitch3 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely!

@jacobtennyson9213 Жыл бұрын

Rest in Peace Tony Dow. You are the Real American Teenager.

@floridaorbust5038 Жыл бұрын

Tony Dow was a good role model on how to be a good big brother. RIP

@dk60ish 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad that his adult life turned out to be a blessing for him, instead of what seems to be the normal curse that most former child stars deal with but they cannot overcome.

@Lupton2000 2 жыл бұрын

Same goes for Jerry Mathers.

@MamaBoots007 Жыл бұрын

.....and now, he's transitioned into eternity. We forever be grateful for his part in our lives.

@johnhummer265 Жыл бұрын

very well said ............

@benscovil Жыл бұрын

Tony is one of my favorites. I followed his life he shared on Facebook. He shaved his face just for this interview. I was elated when this piece came out, and now he's gone. I'm heartbroken, he passed on my birthday. God bless you Tony, thank you for making the world a better place.

@jeffreyanderson7465 Жыл бұрын

Me too Tony was nicest guy in the world 🌎 Rest in Peace my brother

@saxonsteve Жыл бұрын

He sounded like a very likable and humble person Really like that he was creative Rest In Peace Mr Dow

@pauldagres651 Жыл бұрын

He was a real class act ... they don't make 'em like Tony anymore. We all love ya Tony! RIP

@pennyking3823 Жыл бұрын

It's like part or your childhood dies when people like Tony Dow dies. RIP...great guy

@terrytuell3361 Жыл бұрын

My dad was a kid when this show aired and I remember watching it with him when I was a kid. Then when my Son was born in the early 2000s we would watch it together. Rest In Peace Tony

@kimleone5496 Жыл бұрын

I understand his fighting with depression though. I'm glad he found peace before he left the Earth. Rest in peace sir

@tonyr111 Жыл бұрын

What a great guy!! May he rest in peace. I was born in 1963 and had two older sisters that loved Tony Dow, they convinced my parents to name me Tony, after Tony Dow. I have always liked the name Tony and for a good reason. Have a great day. Tony R

@brucetowell3432 Жыл бұрын

As a Boomer growing up during it's 8 year run or so, this was my favorite show, and I had to see every episode I could. I'm 70 and it just tears my heart up when I hear the opening theme......what precious and beautiful memories given to us by this cast of writers and actors...Tony you are taken care of in heaven for sure! God Bless for all the great memories....in Jesus's name Bruce Towell

@beegee22 Жыл бұрын

I still look for where it might be streaming. It was a part of our childhood and the memories it brings out are cherished. RIP Tony Dow.

@sawfingers1750 Жыл бұрын

Same here-70 too. I think it came on Thursday evenings and was a great start to the weekend

@toniscott1029 Жыл бұрын

@Bruce Towell I understand your sentiments. Btw, you have the same last name as my late mother in law.

@brucetowell3432 Жыл бұрын

@@toniscott1029 Thanks for your comments:-) Where did she grow up? Haven't met that many at all, I know there is an auto dealership in Akron , Ohio owned by Dave Towell, (no relation) ..and I believe there was a Catholic Priest many years ago in Northern Ohio with this name as well.

@toniscott1029 Жыл бұрын

@@brucetowell3432 she grew up in Syracuse, NY

@poppileepopp Жыл бұрын

Rest in Power Tony! I’m 26 but you helped make my childhood special! ❤️

@jeanmank6342 Жыл бұрын

So shocked that he's gone. Such a gentle man. Love 💘 you, Tony.

@terri5757 Жыл бұрын

Death report was in error. His Wife just clarified Tony is in hospice. Your words were very touching though. God bless you. 7/26/22

@jeanmank6342 Жыл бұрын

@@terri5757 Yes, I read about error, but now he really is gone (Wednesday 7/27/22 late afternoon).

@msromo 2 жыл бұрын

I understand that as actors, some celebrities can resent a character that they're identified with, but I don't think they know or can understand just how much their portrayals can mean to the people that grew up watching them. I was raised by a single mother and our TV was pretty much my companion, so watching old family shows in syndication is where I learned a lot of life lessons. I'm glad Tony's made his peace with his character and the show.

@chrisfinch8637 2 жыл бұрын

Tony Dow still keeps his life at ease, along with his wife, Lauren. I can’t think of a better life for him, since he’s really keeping the peace and the love, flowing within his mind. I know Hugh, Barbara, Frank, and Ken are smiling down upon him. 🕊Peace be with you, Tony. 🤍

@stillstanding6031 Жыл бұрын

Neat guy. A real sweetie. Thanks for your contributions TD and may you rest in peace. A clear reminder that "nobody has it easy", but self-care is the secret to success.

@peternakano690 Жыл бұрын

We lost a treasure when Tony passed. He was an all-American guy who will forever live in our memories and hearts. RIP Tony.

@pjh9873 Жыл бұрын

Peace to Tony Dow, our on-screen childhood friend, idol, and example of what it means to be a good kid. Never to be forgotten for good things and happy memories for so many on the earth. What a legacy.............

@morningdove20 Жыл бұрын

Rest In Peace Tony, and Ty.. "Thank You" for the best of Memories. I'd like to think that you're Not only with your own loved ones right now but also having a reunion with Eddie and Larry too.. ♥️ 🙏

@Purplenpinkk Жыл бұрын

He was a great artist! Him and his wife made an amazing couple. I feel for her. RIP.

@michelesyvertsen4899 Жыл бұрын

Rest peacefully, Tony Dow. ♥️

@SouthOCmixdown Жыл бұрын

I knew Tony as a young tech/grip/gaffer working on the set of "High School U.S.A". A definite "so bad it's good" B-movie but ironically, it was the pre-screen test that established MJ Fox and Crispin Glover as future stars. A lot of "older" TV stars like Tony, Dawn Wells, Bob Denver, were glad to get work so it was great to be around them on set. Tony was the warmest and most genuine of any actor I've ever met. Completely unpretentious and despite his fame in the 50's, he never traded on it or acted like an aloof star. Glad you're no longer suffering and RIP Tony. And anyone who wants to watch Tony, MJ Fox and Crispin go at in in a "proto" version of BTTF, definitely check out "High School U.S.A"!

@sandraleigh4023 Жыл бұрын

Agree. He was my neighbor in Venice Beach before they moved to Topanga so many years ago. His authenticity as a human being was genuine and rare.

@sophiasocal68 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony, a true All American.

@DanielBarberMusic Жыл бұрын

You lived an influential life. Thank you for sharing your gifts, both unconsciously and later, more consciously. You have been a blessing to us all.

@thedivineenergy 2 жыл бұрын

*Sometimes we forget that the healer also needs healing. The planner also needs surprises.* *The giver also needs to receive. The thoughtful also needs to be thought of.* *And the considerate also needs to be considered. 💗*

@2_thumbs_up_baby 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful and so true ...

@LaLadybug2011 2 жыл бұрын

Well said!

@badabing9143 Жыл бұрын

Divineener Nicely put ❤and how is it that your print so tiny ?? !!

@lorif4268 Жыл бұрын

Loved him in reruns in the late 60’s and still think the energy he radiated was beyond the lines he read. The world lost a great one. 😔

@2_thumbs_up_baby 2 жыл бұрын

Just a lovely couple and story...

@Kewpielove62 Жыл бұрын

Prayers for his family and friends and of course his beloved fans. I was one of them. Thank you, Tony. Heaven bound.

@knitterscheidt Жыл бұрын

as an only child about the same age as the Beave I'd watch this show and thought I wish I had Wally as a real life brother and this certainly didn't change that feeling one bit

@kimijonghighball9626 Жыл бұрын

I grew up with that show. It’s like a part of my life spent watching The Beav is ingrained in me. RIP Tony 😔

@dbrew2u Жыл бұрын

Gee Wally , we are sure going to miss you . RIP Mr.Dow and Thank You for all of the wonderful Childhood memories .

@bluelarry1674 Жыл бұрын

RIP, this was a great piece and a super example of channeling negative energy into something creative.

@westcoastgirl Жыл бұрын

What an open and nice guy . RIP .

@queenmicale9686 2 жыл бұрын

Damn he is still good looking. Glad I saw this interview. Loved that show. Great times and great shows. Great memories. Love it..🤗🥰🥰👏👏👏

@jonoeschger1552 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony Dow…you were a big part of my youth. Thank you isn’t enough.

@thinghammer Жыл бұрын

Aww man....he was a great guy. Made us all laugh. An artist.

@angholloway5091 Жыл бұрын

Was? He's still alive!!!

@christopherwall444 Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad I'm old enough..65..to have watched this show and others like them.....

@garretk.woodward2971 Жыл бұрын

Rest easy, good sir. TV icon. Shining soul.

@robinholbrook6576 Жыл бұрын

Garret: you brought tears to my eyes. I need say nothing. You have said it all. Shining soul, indeed. 🌹

@nancyaylward1176 Жыл бұрын

Thank You for all the childhood memories. Rest In Peace Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver). You are never truly gone, because all we have to do is turn on the television!

@sjparadiso Жыл бұрын

Today’s news of his passing and then the news that maybe not yet, brought me to this video. I’m so glad to have seen this. What a wonderful and humble man. Just like my big brother was.

@cocoaorange1 Жыл бұрын

That was a false report, but he is in hiospice.

@CoachDarren Жыл бұрын

Rest in peace Tony Dow 🙏 I watch this show on METV and love ❤️ it. I wish we had good TV like this today.

@swampdaddy87 2 жыл бұрын

All that history aside, his artwork is truly impressive and rightly stand on its own merit. Well done T. Dow! Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

@tmo7734 Жыл бұрын

Tony was a terrific talent on many levels. May he rest in peace. Best wishes to Lauren and his entire family.

@GeorgeVreelandHill Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony. You were and always will be, the ultimate big brother.

@tanyalong2606 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful interview. Thank you, Tony for bringing knowledge and understanding of depression to a public forum. Bless you and Lauren. ❤

@davidchildress6432 Жыл бұрын

Tony died today

@bobb1870 Жыл бұрын

Such a talented person, on and off screen. R.I.P. Tony Dow.

@raceyro Жыл бұрын

Rest in peace Wally.

@samueljaramillo4221 Жыл бұрын

I watch this great iconic show almost daily. That’s when things were a lot simpler. Wally…RIP

@deborahluongo6794 Жыл бұрын

Rest in peace Tony Dow who brought the world a lot of joy! Watched you as a child still enjoy the TV program today!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

@glendaholmes-moore1403 2 жыл бұрын

I had a mean crush on Tony even to this day at 63years old,I still watch the show here in Houston,station 51.Tony’s wife is blessed to share a life with him.💖❤️🌹

@Raymondgogolf 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Glenda 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….

@kimleone5496 Жыл бұрын

Yep, for me, him and Mark McCain.

@cocoaorange1 Жыл бұрын

That is cool they have been together for over 4 decades! He has a son from his first marriage.

@nicolehall694 2 жыл бұрын

The art work is just extraordinary. Lauren's mosaic fountain is absolutely exquisite! What a terrific interview! Thanks for this.

@Raymondgogolf 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Nicole 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends? Thanks God bless you….

@WillyPDX94 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony. Your art looks interesting and your take on life was spot on. I'm glad you filled your final years with the joy of being an artist. ✌ and ❤

@nobody617 Жыл бұрын

He made life better for us watching the show.

@TJamesBell 2 жыл бұрын

I had an older brother that I lost suddenly in 2015, but Tony/Wally was sort of like my OTHER older brother. The nicer, kinder one! My older brother and I became the absolute best of friends as adults. It was a huge, immeasurable loss. It's sort of comforting watching this interview. Thanks, Tony.

@ladrums1000 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony

@brianherrington7226 Жыл бұрын

God Bless this man and may he Rest In Peace.

@jamestravis1037 Жыл бұрын

Rest in peace .. Wally....You will always be cherished !

@Keikilanikea Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad they got this interview just in time! They captured Tony and his dear wife, Lauren, so beautifully!

@sierramist9965 2 жыл бұрын

His voice never changed

@warrencleversy2773 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Tony Dow for bringing us all your wisdom and artistic talent. RIP big brother.

@nysaxman Жыл бұрын

It's still an enjoyable show to watch. R.I.P. Tony Dow

@BoBo-ti6jh Жыл бұрын

He's a very blessed man.

@Transterra55 2 жыл бұрын

So the character of Wally was really the essence of Tony Dow--that may be why many people liked him and identified with him. I am so glad he is happy and has such a supportive partner.

@godfreymccammon4531 Жыл бұрын

This is a great story. CBS Sunday Morning is the best show for seeing something to learn about life, then the next minute you see something that lets you enjoy life. Now that Tony has left us, this story they did a year ago has twice the impact...Thank you.

@sheilamore3261 Жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness bless Tony‘s heart yeah that was a wonderful show and he seems like a wonderful person God bless you Tony🥰💕🙏

@frankj.artino2203 2 жыл бұрын

Tony Dow. A good man. Keep smiling and thanks for your gifts. Your dog has nice hair!

@LweissTTU Жыл бұрын

RIP. Thank you for the memories. Peace to his loved ones

@robertkees6048 Жыл бұрын

I've become such a fan of his, never saw that show as a kid in the 70's, but Metv has changed all that. He did a great job, and when you see interviews with him, he so gracious and thoughtful. It was fun to see the two surviving actors at conventions and things like that, they seemed to like each other very much. I was saddened to hear of his passing, but hopefully he knew how many people loved and thanked him for the gift he gave us all. We thank you, and R.I.P. you are missed.

@phyllissimpson720 Жыл бұрын

Peace blessings and love to the family. Heartfelt condolences 🙏

@juliesteeper6349 Жыл бұрын

Rest In Peace - thank you for the memories.

@beverlyshane8433 Жыл бұрын

I was 6 yrs old when the show was aired. I’ve loved it ever since. If it wasn’t for that show how many people would have loved Tony Dow? Not many because we wouldn’t have known him. When he said pretty cool at the end he sounded just like the young version of himself. The voice I remember from the show. May he Rest In Peace

@luvs2cover 2 жыл бұрын

You never know the struggle of others hang in there, thanks for sharing 🥺

@dannmarceau 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Tony.

@redneverblue6085 Жыл бұрын

How lucky are we that technology has made it possible for us to watch our beloved childhood stars whenever we want. Tony's passing has rekindled an urge to walk down memory lane and today I finished watching Season 1, Episode 3 with plans to view all I can find on KZfaq. Even though the years have passed, LITB is as enjoyable now as it was then but maybe better because through the Cleavers we get to relive our childhood days.

@lar7905 Жыл бұрын

"You're giving me all this positive stuff to think about instead of all the dumb stuff" ...Spoken just like Wally would have to the Beav. Tony Dow was Wally and Wally was Tony Dow. Remarkable. And he left behind his wisdom one more time. R.I.P. Tony.

@edithpiaf9250 Жыл бұрын

That show brought me such joy as a kid...and still does. It was sweet and simple. God bless, Tony Dow.

@ianwhite9149 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony Dow.

@MSDOGS1976 Жыл бұрын

I hate that he had so many years filled with depression. He was such an enjoyable character. I still catch episodes of the show today. May he R.I.P. Oh yes....he looked healthy in the interview. I wonder how long he was sick?

@firstptr3and10_ Жыл бұрын

Wally was the best-dressed character ever. I had a crush on him just because he was always meticulously dressed. Always wore a belt. Never slouchy never ever. May Mr. Dow rest in peace. He made Wally look good. Edit: I think I was 12. I was like wow. He is so handsome and neat! Hahaha That is how to do it!

@satori03 Жыл бұрын

I will always love Wally Cleaver/Tony Dow RIP

@gordoncheyne5567 Жыл бұрын

I love this guy I prayed and cried when he passed.

@paulleckner8235 Жыл бұрын

We all did.

@nancy016911 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony, you are great!

@Dan.50 2 жыл бұрын

He and the family are national treasures.

@funnypicturescomics Жыл бұрын

I hope these larger than life...ICONIC actors/persons realize the love and joy they have brought into our lives.

@evilish888 Жыл бұрын

Suffering (depression, anxiety, malaise etc) is related to an attraction to how things should be going Learn to accept situations, adapt to them and move forward along a happier path in life

@greekgladiator7735 Жыл бұрын

Rip TONY! God bless you ! You have brought so much joy and so many smiles to the faces of America throughout the years! You were the big Brother on TV that everyone in life wished they had!

@PlugIntoSybie Жыл бұрын

Such a sweet beautiful soul ❤

@michaelpayne8000 11 ай бұрын

I had the opportunity to have met Tony a few years back in Novi, Michigan at the Motor City Comic Con..My brothers and I chatted with him for at least 45 minutes and he even called my mother from my cell phone..She was literally shocked and it really made her day, she grew up with watching him on Leave it to Beaver..A true gentleman Tony was and it still saddens me that he is still gone..R.I.P. Tony we love you ❤️😢

@tashmina4412 Жыл бұрын

May you Rest In Peace, Tony.

@anitahamlin2411 Жыл бұрын

What an amazing artist's Meca they live in. I am so glad Tony has had the ability to turn things into beauty along with his wonderful talented wife.

@abider1442 2 жыл бұрын

There are people out there who live on the streets and are suffering everyday, yes keep things in perspective!

@terencem8795 Жыл бұрын

RIP Tony Dow.🙏 Thank you for being like a big brother to me as well.

@sylvialehrisse7256 Жыл бұрын

I grow up in the 70s watching reruns of LITB ,it’s one of those shows that never gets old. An all time classic. My deepest condolences to the Dow family ,friends and fans. Thank Tony for all those wonderful memories left on film to watch. And Thank you METV and other tv station that still air LITB today. May you Rest In Peace Tony.🙏🏼💐🥰💕