You may not recognize him in the photo and perhaps not even remember his name – Larry Mathews.
You will, however, know him from TV. For those who remember The Dick Van Dyke Show (which aired from 1961 until 1966) Mathews was little Richie Petrie – Dick Van Dyke’s and Mary Tyler Moore’s son. The show won 27 awards – including 15 Emmys.
He was 5 years old when he was cast as Ritchie. Larry was in 158 episodes.
After the TV show ended, Larry pretty much led a quiet life. He went to college and then in the ‘80s worked as a post-production coordinator on the series “Soap.” He went by his real name, Larry Mazzeo.
I met Larry several years ago during a promo for CBS television shows that young actors were in. I was 19 at the time promoting The New Loretta Young Show and Larry was 7, promoting The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Over the years, we would run into each other at various publicity events and I must say Larry has always been so much fun, pleasant and quite funny. He has only wonderful things to say about his time playing little Ritchie.
He and Rose Marie (who also starred in the series along with Morey Amsterdam) shared the same birthday and they would talk on that day, every year until her death. He also has only fond memories of Mary Tyler Moore and considered her his second mom.
He said Morey Amsterdam was the most wonderful person in the world. Larry is still in touch with Dick Van Dyke, making he and Dick the only surviving members of the series.
Carl Reiner was the creator of the show and he used to ask the cast and crew to think of something funny that happened and then he would write various episodes based on actual events. Carl gifted Larry with the desk used as a prop in the show.
It’s wonderful to say that all of Larry’s memories are full of love and kindness.
He has been married to his wife Jennifer for 38 years .
I always look forward to seeing Larry at various conventions, appearances etc. as I’m always guaranteed to get a warm hug, some great stories… and a lot of laughs.
Until next time remember –Â Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.
