GENERAL HOSPITAL Alum Tony Dow Dead at 77

After his death was mistakenly reported on July 26, it was confirmed the following day that veteran actor Tony Dow died at the age of 77 on July 27 at home surrounded by his loved ones after a battle with cancer. His son, Christopher confirmed the sad news. “Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place,” he said in a statement. “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.”

Dow is obviously best known for playing Wally Cleaver on the classic television sitcom LEAVE IT TO BEAVER, but he also dabbled in daytime, playing Ross Jeanelle on GENERAL HOSPITAL back in the mid-70s. Ross was a police officer investigating Phil Brewer’s murder who briefly dated nurse Beth Maynard, sister of Diana Maynard Taylor. And in 1965, he played race car driver Chet on the short-lived ABC sudser NEVER TOO YOUNG.

Dow also appeared in numerous other television shows like MY THREE SONS, MR. NOVAK, LASSIE, MOD SQUAD, QUINCY M.E., KNIGHT RIDER, MURDER, SHE WROTE, THE LOVE BOAT, and DIAGNOSIS MURDER. He also moved behind the camera, working as a director on series such as THE NEW LASSIE, HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS, COACH, BABYLON 5, and STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE. 

Our thoughts are with Dow’s friends and family during this difficult time.