What Happened to Carol Marlow After Her Divorce from Tony Dow?

Tony Dow was one of the most loved TV stars from the classic show Leave It to Beaver. He played Wally Cleaver, the kind and smart older brother, and became a familiar face in American homes from the 1950s onward.

But behind the scenes, there was a woman who shared his life during his early adult years — Carol Marlow. She was his first wife, and they were together for over a decade. While Tony was known in Hollywood, Carol chose to live a quiet and private life.

In this article, we’ll explore who Carol Marlow really is, her life with Tony Dow, why they separated, and what happened to her after the divorce. Let’s begin by looking at how it all started.

Carol Marlow Quick Bio

Carol Marlow and Tony Dow’s Love Story

Carol Marlow and Tony Dow got married in June 1969. At that time, Tony was already famous from Leave It to Beaver, and many fans were surprised when he chose to live a quiet life outside of the Hollywood spotlight.

Their marriage was simple and mostly private. Carol didn’t chase fame. She preferred to stay out of the public eye, even though her husband was a well-known actor. They lived a peaceful life together and kept their family matters away from the media.

In 1973, Carol and Tony had a son named Christopher Dow. He was their only child, and both parents loved him dearly. They spent the next several years raising Christopher, but sadly, the marriage didn’t last forever.

Who Is Carol Marlow?

Carol Marlow was born in August 1942, in Los Angeles, California. She is now 83 years old as of 2025. Her full name is Carol Marie Theresa Marlow, and she grew up in a Christian family.

Her parents were Herman Clifford Morelvitz Marlow and Cecilia Annette Kresak. She had several siblings, including Richard, Roger, Victor, and Ellen Sue Marlow. Carol’s early life was mostly quiet and simple, just like the way she lived later.

There isn’t much public information about her education, but it’s believed she was well-educated. She stayed away from fame and attention, even when she became the wife of a TV star. From a young age, Carol was someone who valued privacy.

Marriage Life with Tony Dow

Carol and Tony’s marriage lasted for 11 years, from 1969 to 1980. While many celebrity couples live in the spotlight, these two were different. They stayed mostly out of the public eye and lived a more peaceful family life.

Tony was busy with acting, directing, and later, sculpting, but Carol supported him quietly. She focused on home life and raising their son, Christopher. There were no big public stories about their marriage, which shows how private and respectful they were.

They didn’t do many interviews or appear together at Hollywood events. For many fans, Carol was a mystery. But that was her choice — to stay low-key and live a calm life.

Why Did Carol Marlow and Tony Dow Divorce?

In March 1980, Carol and Tony Dow officially ended their marriage. Like many couples, they had their differences. The most common reason reported was “irreconcilable differences,” which means they simply grew apart and couldn’t fix it.

There were no scandals or messy headlines. Their divorce was handled quietly and with respect. At the time, Tony was going through changes in his personal and professional life. It’s possible that stress and different goals played a role.

Even after the divorce, Carol stayed private. She didn’t go to the press or speak out. She kept her focus on their son and her own peaceful life.

What Happened to Carol Marlow After the Divorce?

After her split from Tony Dow, Carol Marlow stepped even further away from the spotlight. She did not remarry publicly, and there is no information about her being involved in another serious relationship.

Some reports say she moved to Fresno, California, where she likely continued living a quiet life. She focused on being a mother and spending time with family. Her life after the divorce stayed out of the media, just the way she seemed to prefer.

She didn’t chase fame, write books, or give interviews. Carol chose peace and privacy, which is rare in the world of celebrity spouses.

Where Is Carol Marlow Now?

Carol Marlow is believed to be living a retired life in California. She is not on social media, and there are no recent pictures or public updates about her.

She never spoke out about her time with Tony Dow, even after he passed away in July 2022. She stayed respectful and quiet, letting his wife at the time, Lauren Shulkind, be the public face of remembrance.

Today, Carol is likely spending time with her family, enjoying calm days, and living far away from the spotlight she once stood next to.

Carol Marlow’s Son, Meet Christopher Dow

One of the most important people in Carol Marlow’s life is her son, Christopher Dow. He was born in 1973, during her marriage to Tony Dow. Like many kids of famous parents, Christopher had a chance to try acting too.

In the 1980s, he appeared in The New Leave It to Beaver, playing a younger version of Wally Cleaver. But unlike his father, Christopher didn’t stay in Hollywood. He decided to live a quiet life, just like his mother.

Carol has always been close to her son. After the divorce, she focused on raising him with love and care. Even now, Christopher keeps things private. Not much is known about his personal life, but it’s clear he values peace and family time, just like his mom.

Carol Marlow’s Family and Background

Carol Marlow comes from a strong and loving family. Her father, Herman Clifford Morelvitz Marlow, and her mother, Cecilia Annette Kresak, raised her in Los Angeles, California.

She has four known siblings: Richard J. Marlow, Roger A. Marlow, Victor L. Marlow, and Ellen Sue Marlow. They all grew up together and shared many special family memories. While her family never became famous, they were always close.

Carol stayed connected to her roots. Even after becoming a celebrity wife, she held onto her quiet family values. She didn’t change for fame. Her love for her family always came first.

Is Carol Marlow on Social Media?

In today’s world, it’s common to search for someone on Instagram or Facebook. But Carol Marlow isn’t on any social media platforms. No Twitter, no Facebook, and no Instagram.

That’s not a surprise. Carol has always stayed away from the spotlight. Even when she was married to a TV star, she didn’t seek attention. She never gave interviews or tried to build a public image.

Some people enjoy sharing their life online. Carol chose the opposite. She prefers quiet mornings, family talks, and peaceful evenings — not followers or likes. And that’s something many people admire today.

Carol Marlow’s Hobbies and Daily Life Today

So, what does Carol Marlow enjoy doing in her free time? While she’s no longer in the public eye, sources say she has a calm and simple lifestyle.

She loves gardening, spending time with nature, and planting flowers. She enjoys reading books, especially quiet afternoons with a warm cup of tea and a good story. She also likes cooking homemade meals for her family.

Carol enjoys watching classic movies, going for walks in the park, and sometimes doing puzzles or painting. Her hobbies are all about peace, joy, and creativity. She lives a slow, gentle life — far from the noise of Hollywood.

Tony Dow’s New Life and Final Years

After his divorce from Carol Marlow, Tony Dow married Lauren Shulkind in June 1980. They stayed together until Tony’s passing in 2022. Lauren supported him through his work, health struggles, and personal projects.

Tony became more than just an actor. He explored sculpting, creating beautiful abstract bronze pieces. His art was displayed in galleries and even shown in Paris. He spoke openly about his struggles with depression and used art to heal.

Sadly, in May 2022, Tony was diagnosed with liver cancer. He passed away on July 27, 2022, at the age of 77. The news shocked fans around the world, many of whom still remember him as Wally Cleaver. Through it all, Carol Marlow stayed silent, letting Tony’s wife and family handle the public goodbye.

Final Thoughts

When we look at Carol Marlow’s life, we see a woman who stayed true to herself. She didn’t chase fame, even when it was close. She chose family, peace, and privacy over the spotlight.

From her early days in Los Angeles to her quiet life after divorce, Carol has always stayed grounded. She raised a son with love, respected her past, and built a calm future for herself.

Not everyone needs to be famous to be special. Carol Marlow’s story is one of quiet strength — and sometimes, that’s the most powerful story of all.