Showbiz Analysis with Tony Dow - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 06-06-2013, 11:45 PM

Link + Podcast

When you interview celebrities, you quickly learn that they are rarely like the characters they portray. Imagine my surprise to find that, decades after his life-changing role in the iconic series Leave It To Beaver, Tony Dow was as sensitive, soft-spoken, and kind as Wally Cleaver. For me, there was no denying the flashbacks. The voice was the same, albeit more mature, and the mannerisms and style were still there. Apparently, even with an early dose of fame and a Hollywood career on both sides of the camera, Tony Dow was never tempted to cop an “Eddie Haskell” attitude.

Speaking with Dow was more than a trip down Memory Lane. His reflections on celebrity, career, creativity, growing pains, and maturity were thought-provoking. So often it’s easy to generalize about those in the public eye. My conversation with Tony Dow made me realize how off-target our perceptions can be. People’s successes and motivations aren’t always driven by the same forces. Actors are no different.

For Tony Dow, success, fame, and acting began almost by accident. “I went to the studio with a friend and I got a job and it sort of mushroomed from there.” And while celebrity and fortune might be a goal for many, Dow admits that even as a young child, when asked about what he wanted to be (when he grew up), his reply was always “I just want to live a creative life.”

It shouldn’t be surprising then, to learn that after wrapping his role as Wally Cleaver, he added directing, producing and other artistic skills to his resumé. From visual effects supervisor on the popular series Babylon 5 to representing the United States delegation as one of the three sculptors to show their work at the Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Dow’s creativity has crossed genres, allowing him to achieve his ultimate goal.

Today, Tony Dow can be found in his studio, creating beautiful bronzes and enjoying his family and the life they have created together. My chat with him made me realize one important thing. Fulfillment isn’t about fame, it’s about doing what you love, being with those you love, and knowing they love you back.

Listen to my conversation with Tony Dow on my iTunes podcast Whine At 9.

ponytail · 06-07-2013, 05:50 AM

"Fulfillment isn’t about fame, it’s about doing what you love, being with those you love, and knowing they love you back."

Isn't that what we all want. Good for Tony.

06-06-2013, 11:45 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,386	Showbiz Analysis with Tony Dow Link + Podcast When you interview celebrities, you quickly learn that they are rarely like the characters they portray. Imagine my surprise to find that, decades after his life-changing role in the iconic series Leave It To Beaver, Tony Dow was as sensitive, soft-spoken, and kind as Wally Cleaver. For me, there was no denying the flashbacks. The voice was the same, albeit more mature, and the mannerisms and style were still there. Apparently, even with an early dose of fame and a Hollywood career on both sides of the camera, Tony Dow was never tempted to cop an “Eddie Haskell” attitude. Speaking with Dow was more than a trip down Memory Lane. His reflections on celebrity, career, creativity, growing pains, and maturity were thought-provoking. So often it’s easy to generalize about those in the public eye. My conversation with Tony Dow made me realize how off-target our perceptions can be. People’s successes and motivations aren’t always driven by the same forces. Actors are no different. For Tony Dow, success, fame, and acting began almost by accident. “I went to the studio with a friend and I got a job and it sort of mushroomed from there.” And while celebrity and fortune might be a goal for many, Dow admits that even as a young child, when asked about what he wanted to be (when he grew up), his reply was always “I just want to live a creative life.” It shouldn’t be surprising then, to learn that after wrapping his role as Wally Cleaver, he added directing, producing and other artistic skills to his resumé. From visual effects supervisor on the popular series Babylon 5 to representing the United States delegation as one of the three sculptors to show their work at the Nationale des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Dow’s creativity has crossed genres, allowing him to achieve his ultimate goal. Today, Tony Dow can be found in his studio, creating beautiful bronzes and enjoying his family and the life they have created together. My chat with him made me realize one important thing. Fulfillment isn’t about fame, it’s about doing what you love, being with those you love, and knowing they love you back. Listen to my conversation with Tony Dow on my iTunes podcast Whine At 9.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

06-07-2013, 05:50 AM	#2
ponytail Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 20, 2004 Location: In Happy, Healthy, Wealthyville Posts: 4,273	"Fulfillment isn’t about fame, it’s about doing what you love, being with those you love, and knowing they love you back." Isn't that what we all want. Good for Tony.