Family of 'Leave It to Beaver' star Tony Dow prematurely announced his death

Actor Tony Dow, best known for his role as Wally Cleaver, the older brother of Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver in the classic sitcom "Leave It to Beaver," did not die on Tuesday, as initially reported following an announcement from his family that he had passed.

An announcement on the actor's Facebook page on Tuesday initially described his not-quite death at the age of 77, according to the social media post.

"Tony was a beautiful soul - kind, compassionate, funny and humble," Dow's management team posted.

"From the warm reminiscences of Wally Cleaver to those of us fortunate enough to know him personally - thank you Tony. And thank you for the reflections of a simpler time, the laughter, the friendship and for the feeling that you were a big brother to us all," the announcement continued.

However, Dow's wife later clarified to ABC7 reporter George Pennacchio that the actor is still alive but in hospice care.

In May, Dow revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer.