Tony Dow: An Appreciation
Was there ever a better big brother?
With the death of actor Tony Dow last week, we lost the creator of one of TV’s most endearing characters — and one of the most perfect big brothers of all time.
On Leave it to Beaver, the charming sitcom that ran from 1957–1963, Tony Dow played Wally Cleaver, older brother to Theodore (“Beaver”), played by Jerry Mathers. While the show tended to be about “The Beav” and his adventures, Wally got a fair share of plotlines as well, and was featured prominently.
Utilizing a wonderful array of 1950’s goody-goody stereotypes, Wally often uttered such chestnuts as “golly,” “gee whiz,” and “gosh.” But Tony Dow’s delivery made each one believable.
Wally proved to be a great straight man for Beaver’s antics, giving him warnings like, “Boy, Beav, Dad’s really gonna give you the business.” Wally also wasn’t above calling Beaver out as a “goof” when he got into trouble.
Yet there was never a doubt that Wally always had Beaver’s best interests at heart. He was a steadfast supporter and defender of his little brother.
Wally was confident in standing up for what was right, especially with his friend, two-faced Eddie Haskell. Athletic and cheerful, Wally was popular at school, but he faced the same hesitancy that many of us have…
