Breaking News
Tony Dow, ‘Leave it to Beaver’ and ‘General Hospital’ Alum, Still Alive But in ‘Last Hours’ Despite Reports On His Death
UPDATED: Since the original posting of this article, Tony Dow has now passed away. On Wednesday, July 27th his son, Christopher confirmed his death on Facebook sharing: “Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey. We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many. One fan said it best—“It is rare when there is a person who is so universally loved like Tony.”’
The original post below is the story on how Tony’s wife, Lauren Dow, had shared that her husband was still alive after erroneous news articles on his death were premature:
Lauren Dow, the wide of Tony Dow, best-known of his role of Wally Cleaver – the All-American older brother of “Beaver” Cleaver (Jerry Mathers) on the TV sitcom, Leave it to Beaver, shares that he is still alive amid previous reports of his passing early today.
Earlier, Tony’s management team had posted news of Dow’s death at the age of 77 on a Facebook post, but that has since been taken down.
Now comes word from Lauren to ABC7 in Los Angeles, that her husband is still breathing, but is in hospice care in their home. She admitted that based on some health issues that happened overnight, she inferred that Tony had passed away when she informed people close to her and the family.
However, Dowd’s son Christopher confirmed to PEOPLE that his father, “is still alive but in his last hours. Under hospice care.”
Daytime fans recall that Tony played the part of Ross Jeanelle on General Hospital back in the mid-70’s. On GH, Ross was investigating the murder of Dr. Phil Brewer and in story, Ross also dated nurse Beth Maynard, who was the sister of Diana Taylor.
Some of Dow’s other TV credits included: Adam-12, Mod Squad, Emergency, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote plus he directed numerous TV episodes.
Share your thoughts and prayers for Tony Dow and his family via the comment section.
He was only on GH briefly during the Phil Brewer murder mystery. He did however have the starring role in the teenage daytime soap “Never too Young”. The show was ahead of it’s time but only had a brief run. It was replaced by “Dark Shadows”.
Greg
I never saw him on GH or the other show you mentioned but I watched him and Beaver during his long run on Leave It to Beaver. I even enjoyed his best friend Eddie Haskell. I still watch those old shows once in a while.
Thank you Tony for all the fun years you gave us all. Bless Tony and his family at this time. Hospice is not a happy time for patient or family to go through.
Violet, how I loved the BEAVER! I watched every episode repeatedly, back in the days of afternoon reruns. I know those shows were a limited view of real life in America…but they were so sweet and hopeful that I refuse to minimalize or dismiss them as modern audiences may. What’s wrong with a little bit of fantasy for a while when we watch T.V.? We have reality all day long!
Soaphound
I think I watched repeats of repeats. The show came out in 1957, the year my 2nd child was born, but did not watch until the repeats started and by then my two kids watched with me. Remember the trouble Beaver and Larry got in to? I Googled the cast and the ones that are still alive are very old, but it’s fun seeing them then and now.
Sad to hear. A great guy. Years ago I worked at the Los Angeles Mission and met countless daytime/primetime/movie stars. He coached men in volleyball there in the evenings with Bill Fagerbakke and his own son Chris. He is a humble man like most celebrities once you get over the excitement and deal with them regularly. Same with Zsa Zsa Gabor and her sister Eva. There they weren’t preening divas like you’d thought. Prayers for him and his family.
This, to me, reads vaguely like the reports of Tanya Roberts’ death, non-death and then eventual death. Sad.
Tony Dow on General Hospital: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRepVXva7zM
It’s from 1975, so don’t ask why it’s in black & white
This is a great clip, Satan! I think you alerted me to this one previously, as it features my fave, Valerie Starrett as Diana Taylor. Great to see her with Denise Alexander and, of course, the late Tony Dow.
We’re lucky that any clips exist from when GH was a half-hour long. As was daytime practice, the network reused tapes until the show went to an hour long in 1978. Be interested to find out how this clip got posted as most YouTube GH clips are from
Home users. The Betamax launched in the US late in 1975 – the year this clip aired. Hard to imagine someone hooking an (in those days) expensive VCR up to a black & white tv.
Are they THAT anxious to move on? This is twice now. And it’s weird. He passed. No.He’s breathing. SMH. Why do that?
daviestev1
I kind of wondered at first, don’t they have enough on their plate without so much attention to publicity, announcements, etc.
Breaking News
2026 Daytime Emmy Awards: ‘Extra’ Partners with NATAS for Pre-Ceremony Red Carpet Stream; Week of Segments Leading to Ceremony and Post-Coverage
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced on Thursday that the syndicated entertainment news series, Extra will be its partner for exclusive coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards being held on Friday, October 30 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The 2026 Daytime Emmys as previously reported can be seen streamed via the The Emmys,YouTube channel, via watch.theemmys.tv, as well as on the official Emmys app, available for phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Here’s a breakdown of the pre, during and post Daytime Emmys coverage via Extra below!
Beginning Monday, October 26, Extra will feature five nights of dedicated Daytime Emmys segments leading up to the ceremony, giving fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the award show.
In addition, Mona Kosar Abdi, Weekend Host & Senior Correspondent with Extra will host the pre-show red carpet stream on the @TheEmmys Youtube channel.
Extra host and Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough will present during the ceremony, and correspondent Terri Seymour will also host coverage throughout the evening.
Extra’s weekend edition (A WEEK FOLLOWING the ceremony) will features notable red carpet moments, winner reactions, and exclusive footage from the night’s festivities.
The entertainment news program is also nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards going into the ceremony.
So, what do you think of Extra’s scheduled upcoming coverage of the 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards starting on Monday? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) revealed on Thursday, the lineup of presenters for 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards taking place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
The ceremony will stream live on the NATAS YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@theemmys and watch.TheEmmys.tv.
Scheduled to present from the current soaps are: Katelyn MacMullen (Willow, General Hospital), Delon de Metz (Zende, The Bold and the Beautiful), James Preston (Nick, The Bay), Paul Telfer (Xander, Days of our Lives), Tamara Tunie (Anita, Beyond the Gates) and Susan Walters (Diane, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: NATAS
In addition soap alums, Crystal Chappell, Lesli Kay, Joe Lando, Eva LaRue, who is also a nominee this year, A Martinez, Juliet Mills, and Alicia Leigh Willis, will also be on hand to present.
The ceremony which celebrates nominated lifestyle programs and dramas will also include presenters: Eva zu Beck (Superskilled with Eva zu Beck), Danielle Chang (Lucky Chow), Sunny Hostin (The View), Derek Hough (Extra), Pati Jinich (Pati’s Mexican Table), Star Jones (Divorce Court), Michael Jr. (Stand Up and Do Something), Judge Greg Mathis (Mathis Court with Judge Mathis), Keke Palmer (Glam Through the Ages), Nischelle Turner (Entertainment Tonight), and Andrew Zimmern (Andrew Zimmern’s Wild Game Kitchen).
The 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards will bring together an exciting mix of presenters representing the full spectrum of daytime television,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO of NATAS. “From familiar faces in daytime drama to the personalities and creative voices behind talk shows and lifestyle programming, this year’s lineup reflects the breadth of talent that makes daytime so special. We look forward to celebrating the people who continue to shape the genre.”
Matthew Hoffman (Love Island USA, Cheap A$$ Beach Houses) will serve as the ceremony’s Voice of God, bringing his signature comedic narration to the evening’s celebrations. As previously announced, Lifetime Achievement honoree Genie Francis (Laura, General Hospital) will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by her husband, Jonathan Frakes.
So, what do you think about the list of presenters for the 2026 Daytime Emmy Awards? Let us know who you are looking forward to seeing via the comment section below.
Congratulations are in order for three-time Emmy winner, Tom Pelphrey (ex-GL and ATWT) and his fiancée Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco! The couple welcomed their second baby daughter together on October 12, and revealed they named the little bundle of joy, Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey.
Tom and Kaley shared the news via their Instagram accounts on Wednesday with some adorable baby pics. Cuoco captioned the photo“🎀Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey🎀. 💖10/12/26💖. There are no words to describe this feeling once again. What a blessing.
Cuoco added, “We are so grateful for the crazy wild up and down journey that brought us to our little Philo! Family officially complete 😭Time to bring Matilda’s baby home! 😂💕”
Photo: KCuoco IG
BABY MAKES FOUR
Next, Kaley shared her love for the father of her children, exclaiming, “Tom Pelphrey, life exploded the minute we met, and the gifts keep coming. I love you forever , girl daddy! 💘.”
Philomena now joins big sister, Matilda mwho was born in 2023, as part of the Pelphrey/Cuoco family! Tom and Kaley began dating in 2022 and became engaged in 2024.
Daytime fans first saw the talented actor on Guiding Light as Jonathan Randall, the son of Reva Shayne (Kim Zimmer). Tom won two Daytime Emmys for his memorable performances during his run from 2004-2009.
He later played Mick Dante on As the World Turns from 2009-2010, before heading to work in primetime and motion pictures. Last month, Pelphrey one the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role in HBO’s Task.
TOM PELPHREY CELEBRATES EMMY WIN AND NEW DAUGHTER WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER
After winning his Emmy, the expectant dad told E! News, “We’re both so excited. Our daughter’s excited. We’ll see how it goes when it actually gets there.” Tom added, “The things that are new and the things that feel like not a big deal this time. But mom and baby are healthy, so God willing, that keeps up, and we’re thrilled,” added the actor.
Pelphrey took to his own Instagram and said on the birth of his second daughter, “Philomena Carmine Bobby Pelphrey. Another miracle. Welcome to our family youngest queen! Kaley you showed up in every way as a partner and a mom even when you weren’t feeling your best- you’re a CHAMPION. The girls and I would be lost without you. Thank God for the gift of this family and these girls.”
Jumping in to the comment thread to congratulate Tom and Kaley were Beyond the Gates star Ashley Jones (Heather), Dave Annabelle, Martha Plimpton, Alyssa Milano and many more.
Share your congrats and well-wishes to Tom, Kaley, Matilda and their new addition to the family, little Philomena via the comment section below.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
Troy Lennon Appel on Auditioning Six Times for ‘General Hospital’ Before Being Cast in the Role of Hudson Parker
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
GH Alums Kelly Monaco and Greg Vaughan to Reunite for Special Fan Event
Tabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
Days of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: Xander Fights for His Life, Halloween in Salem, Lani Returns to the Salem PD
Y&R’s Jason Thompson and Mark Grossman Deliver the ‘Power Performances of the Week’
‘Beyond the Gates’ Marquita Goings on Hayley’s Pregnancy, ‘Friendship’ with Leslie, and Working with Timon Kyle Durrett (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: One Woman Lies to Another, While Two Sisters Tear Each Other Apart!
Joe Hendry Talks WWE Microdrama Collab ‘Agent of Shadows,’ New Music, and What’s Next! (Exclusive)
-
Beyond the Gates5 days agoTabitha Brown and Kandi Burruss Guest Star on ‘Beyond the Gates’ for Dani’s ‘Welcome to Your Life’ TV Special; What Could Go Wrong?
-
Breaking News4 days ago53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Presenters Announced
-
Beyond the Gates1 week ago‘Beyond the Gates’ Stars Lami and RhonniRose Mantilla Cover Raye’s ‘Nightingale Lane’ in New Music Video
-
Recaps1 week agoTHE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Katie Stands Up to Brooke, ‘I Have Spent My Entire Life Sacrificing My Happiness for Yours. But No More!’
-
Days Of Our Lives1 week agoDays of our Lives’ Conner Floyd Talks Dominic Marino Mystery, Chad and Belle, and Susan Seaforth Hayes (Exclusive)
-
Interviews3 days ago‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Cast Dish on Steffy, Finn & Carter, Daphne Baby Drama! (Exclusive)
-
Previews1 week agoTHE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS Preview: What Has Happened to Jill?
-
General Hospital1 week agoWil Traval Talks His ‘General Hospital’ Debut and Being Paired with Kelly Thiebaud
