Tony Dow, Wally Cleaver on 'Leave It to Beaver,' Dies at 77

[Seattle1]

According to a 1959 article in the Detroit Free Press, an "actor friend of his parents" was heading to an audition to read for Ward Cleaver.

^^RSBM

The CBS Sunday Morning youtube above states TD was a competitive swimmer as a kid that tagged along with his Coach to an audition. His Coach didn't get the part, but Tony did.