Larry Mathews, known for his role as Ritchie Petrie on the iconic sitcom ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show,’ has recently shared poignant reflections on the ending of the beloved series, which aired on CBS from 1961 to 1966. The show, celebrated for its innovative storytelling and comedic brilliance, left a significant mark on Mathews, who joined the cast at just five years old.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/larry-mathews-dick-van-dyke-6-101626-e92565bbeaeb4705828602550a539242.jpg)
In a recent episode of the podcast ‘Tripping Over The Ottoman’, co-hosted by David Van Deusen, Mathews opened up about the emotional impact the show’s conclusion had on him. The actor recalled attending the wrap party for the series and being overwhelmed with sadness as he realised he would be saying goodbye to his on-screen family. “I mean, keep in mind… I started when [I was] 5… and so absolutely, I was aware, and I was really emotional about it,” he explained. The wrap party prompted tears from Mathews, who found it difficult to comprehend that the close-knit relationships formed during the show would no longer be a part of his daily life.
Mathews’s character, Ritchie, was the young son of Rob and Laura Petrie, played by Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore respectively. Over the course of its five-season run, ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’ produced 158 episodes and received 15 Emmy Awards, becoming a cornerstone of American television. As Mathews grew up alongside the adult cast, he came to view them as an essential part of his upbringing, describing them as “more of a family” than even his own in some respects.
The finale represented more than just wrapping up a job; it signified the end of a chapter brimming with cherished memories and connections. Mathews noted, “I was very sad for me. As a child, I’d grown up. This is my other family besides my… home family. But they were really like more of a family to me in a lot of ways.” This sentiment underscored the deep bonds he had formed over the years with his co-stars, making the transition especially challenging.
Mathews also highlighted the contrasting perspectives between child actors and their adult counterparts within the industry. “I think [the cast was] a lot more like, ‘Yep, we know we’re moving on. We got stuff,’” he said. While the adult cast was accustomed to the inevitable end of productions and the cyclical nature of the industry, Mathews was still grappling with the emotional weight of leaving such a foundational part of his life.
The challenges he faced did not cease with the conclusion of the show. Following the end of filming, Mathews had to return to a traditional school environment, a move that proved to be quite difficult. He had been tutored on set and had even skipped a grade, which left him feeling out of place upon entering a new school. “No, it was horrible, actually,” he admitted candidly regarding the adjustment period. The transition back to the classroom introduced him to a new social dynamic, where he encountered classmates who were unfamiliar and sceptical of his background.
“I went back to the next year in third grade. And they were all like… ‘Oh, who’s this kid? He thinks he’s special,’” Mathews recounted. Such experiences remained challenging until he reached high school, where a significant shift in his social experience occurred. He described his high school years as “the most wonderful experience,” highlighting the positive changes that came with it.
After completing his secondary education at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, Mathews continued his academic journey at UCLA, where he obtained a degree in theatre arts. Following his studies, he carved out a career in television production, contributing to various projects and taking on occasional acting and voiceover roles over the years. Eventually, Mathews retired from the limelight but remains fondly remembered for his contributions to television.
Beyond his professional life, Mathews has built a lasting personal life, having been married to his wife, Jennifer, for nearly four decades. The blend of Mathews’ early experiences in the entertainment industry and his personal journey paints a rich picture of a man who navigated the complexities of fame from a young age while ultimately finding a fulfilling life outside of the spotlight. His reflections serve as a reminder of both the joys and challenges that accompany a life in show business.