The Dick Van Dyke Show Cast: Where Are They Now?
What became of the beloved faces that graced our screens on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" after the final curtain call in 1966? The enduring charm of the show and its cast continues to captivate audiences, but the paths they took after its conclusion are as fascinating as the sitcom itself.
From October 1961 to June 1966, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" brought a fresh perspective to television, offering a glimpse into the world of a television comedy writer, Rob Petrie, his wife Laura, and the quirky ensemble of friends and colleagues that populated their world. The show, a creation of the brilliant Carl Reiner, was a pioneer, lauded for its wit, relatable storylines, and the remarkable talent of its cast. But what happened when the cameras stopped rolling? Where did the stars of this iconic show find their next adventures, and how did their experiences on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" shape their future endeavors?
The series, a staple of the CBS lineup, delivered consistent laughter and resonated with viewers through its relatable storylines and a cast that radiated genuine talent. The show wasn't just a comedy; it was a cultural touchstone, influencing perceptions of family, work, and relationships. The show's enduring legacy is a testament to its brilliance, and the cast, led by the charismatic Dick Van Dyke and the ever-charming Mary Tyler Moore, became household names.
Let's take a deeper dive into the lives and careers of the key players, and explore what they achieved after the final episode aired. The show may seem dated in certain aspects to a modern audience, but it broke considerable ground in a generally conservative era of television programming. It's time to revisit the lives of the individuals who brought this classic show to life. From the iconic lead role of Rob Petrie, played by the incomparable Dick Van Dyke, to the charming Laura Petrie, portrayed by the talented Mary Tyler Moore, this journey delves into the journeys of the cast members, illuminating their present lives and careers. The question arises: Where are they now? How did the experience of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" impact the trajectory of their futures?
Cast Member | Born | Role on "The Dick Van Dyke Show" | Post-Show Career Highlights | Current Status (as of October 26, 2023) | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dick Van Dyke | December 13, 1925, Kalamazoo, Michigan | Rob Petrie | "Mary Poppins," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Diagnosis Murder," continues acting | Active; still acting, recently appeared in "80 for Brady." | IMDB |
Mary Tyler Moore | December 29, 1936, Brooklyn, New York | Laura Petrie | "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Ordinary People," multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards | Deceased (January 25, 2017) | IMDB |
Carl Reiner | March 20, 1922, The Bronx, New York | Alan Brady (Show Creator) | Director of "The Jerk," "The Man With Two Brains," creator of "The Dick Van Dyke Show." | Deceased (June 29, 2020) | IMDB |
Rose Marie | August 15, 1923, New York City, New York | Sally Rogers | Frequent television appearances, game show panelist. | Deceased (December 28, 2017) | IMDB |
Morey Amsterdam | December 14, 1908, Chicago, Illinois | Buddy Sorrell | Comedy and variety show performer, actor | Deceased (October 27, 1996) | IMDB |
Larry Mathews | August 25, 1955, Burbank, California | Ritchie Petrie | Retired from acting, made appearances in "Dick Van Dyke Show" reunions | Retired | IMDB |
Richard Deacon | May 14, 1921, Jersey City, New Jersey | Mel Cooley | Known for appearances on the "Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Doris Day Show" | Deceased (August 8, 1984) | IMDB |
Dick Van Dyke, the heart and soul of the show, became a household name through his portrayal of Rob Petrie. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on December 13, 1925, Van Dyke's career has been nothing short of legendary, spanning over seven decades. The actor, singer, dancer, and comedian, who's remarkable performances have garnered him numerous accolades.
The show, which aired for five years in the 1960s, provided a launchpad for the cast to explore other creative avenues. Following the conclusion of the show in 1966, cast members embarked on various ventures within the entertainment industry, solidifying the enduring legacy of the show. Van Dykes success can be attributed to The Dick Van Dyke Show, which catapulted him to stardom, but he also starred in other successful productions. This is the case with many of the show's stars. The hit series which aired from October 1961 to June 1966, brought viewers into the world of television comedy writer Rob Petrie and his family. The show brought endless laughter, relatable storylines, and a vibrant cast of talented stars to the CBS lineup from 1961 to 1966.
Mary Tyler Moore, with a few small parts under her belt before joining "The Dick Van Dyke Show," quickly became an icon. Her chemistry with Van Dyke and her comedic timing were key to the show's success. Post-"Dick Van Dyke Show," Moore starred in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which became another landmark sitcom and an emblem of a changing era. She later portrayed Myrna Gibbons on "The Doris Day Show" and was a featured celebrity on "Hollywood Squares" for 14 years.
Show creator Carl Reiner, who also played the arrogant talk show host and the often-annoying boss Alan Brady, was a creative powerhouse. Reiner's vision shaped the show, and his performance as Brady was a masterclass in comedic timing. Sadly, Reiner passed away in 2020. Other notable cast members, including Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, and Richard Deacon, also passed away. Long before the Dick Van Dyke Show signed off in 1966, Carl Reiner knew he had a classic on his hands, and crafting the perfect finale was as important as producing a series that would hold up.
Larry Mathews, who played Ritchie Petrie, the son of Rob and Laura, spent all five seasons on the show. Since then, he has retired from acting, except for a few special appearances, including the 1993 movie "Chairman's Choice" and the 2004 TV movie "The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited."
The show also gave us Amsterdam, who also wrote lyrics for the show's theme song, although they were never heard on air. Van Dyke sang these lyrics on the October 23, 2010, edition of the NPR show "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!".
The legacy of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" is undeniable. It remains a cornerstone of television history, influencing countless creators and performers. The series broke new ground in terms of television, and it paved the way for the sitcoms that followed. Its impact goes beyond entertainment, shaping societal perceptions of family, work, and relationships. From a career that has spanned decades, the World War II veteran has become renowned for his performances, earning him several accolades.
The show, which was all Carl Reiner's idea, brought us into the home and work life of a TV writer. "The Dick Van Dyke Show" may seem dated in certain ways, but it broke so much TV ground in an otherwise staid era. The show, still celebrated as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, continues to inspire.


