A Tony Dow movie was in development prior to the announcement of the Wally Clever actor’s death. The 77-year-old acting profile displayed a new movie update in April of 2022. The new movie title “Was Once a Hero” listed the “Leave It To Beaver” star as character Doc Jennings. But on Wednesday his family confirmed his passing.
“Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. 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,” Christopher Dow said, according to a statement that Bilotta shared on Tony Dow’s official Facebook page.
Tony Dow began acting at the age of 12.
During an interview January interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Dow recalled learning over a hamburger and malt that he was offered the part after auditioning on a whim.
Although, Dow admitted to years of depression after child stardom, he may have learned much from the experience. He directed major movies like, “Honey I Shrunk The Kids”. He also stayed on screen, making appearances during Christmas parades, and other television shows.
Fast forward to 2022, a script for “Was Once A Hero” was created. The movie details two children in trouble after their father and only relative passes away. Gangster outlaws kill the father, and the children end up on the run. The children eventually run into another man; they build an alliance with attempting to escape.
But in May announcement went out that the actor was diagnosed with cancer and was receiving hospice care this week, according to his son.
Fans sent support out to the actor’s family on his Facebook page. Surely, they would have loved to another Tony Dow movie on the big screen once more.
