'Leave It to Beaver' star Tony Dow: See him then and now

Who didn't have a crush on Tony Dow all those years ago?

Dow was just 12 years old in 1957, when he became one of the most recognizable faces in America as Wally Cleaver in "Leave It to Beaver." He had just about zero acting experience, but producers saw major possibilities in the blonde-haired Hollywood native.

By his side during that exciting time was Jerry Mathers, who played his younger brother Beaver. The two would of course go their separate ways once the series ended in 1963, but they've periodically reconnected over the years. They appeared on the "Today" show together just last year, and they're both looking great! Dow is now 74 and Mathers is 70.

Dow married in the late 1960s, and the couple had one son before divorcing a few years later. He had another child with his second wife, Lauren, and is now a proud grandfather.

An accomplished sculptor, Dow has as particular affinity for working with bronze. Barbara Billingsley, who played his mom on "Leave It to Beaver," displayed one of his bronze pieces in her backyard garden. She passed away in 2010 at 94 years old.

Dow may have left acting behind, but Hollywood is always in his blood. In late 2017, fans were excited to see him appear at the 86th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade -- rocking Santa-approved white facial hair! See the photos in the gallery above.

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