Updated: July 14, 2024

Tony Dow was born in Hollywood, California, to John Stevens, a designer and general contractor, and Muriel Virginia Dow ( Nee Montrose ) ( May 27, 1906 April 30, 2001 ), a stunt woman in early Westerns and Clara Bow's movie double in Hollywood. In his youth, Dow was a Junior Olympics diving champion. He won the role of Wally Cleaver in a casting call with almost no previous acting experience.

Dow remained on the series until it ended in 1963. After the run of Leave It to Beaver, he appeared on My Three Sons, Dr. Kildare, Mr. Novak ( five episodes in three different roles ), The Greatest Show on Earth, and Never Too Young. From 1965 to 1968, Dow served in the National Guard, interrupting his acting career. On his return to acting, he guest starred in Adam-12, Love American Style, The Mod Squad, The Hardy Boys and Emergency! During the 1970s, he continued acting while working in the construction business and studying journalism and filmmaking. Dow's most recent screen appearance was in the 2003 film Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star.