Who Is Still Alive From ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show?’

THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, from left, Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, 1961-66
Everett Collection

The Dick Van Dyke Show premiered over 60 years ago, following TV comedy writer Rob Petrie, his wife Laura and their son Ritchie. Created by Carl Reiner (who died on June 29, 2020) the sitcom focused on Rob’s daily life at home and at work, surrounded by funny characters. Since the show premiered so many decades ago, most of the stars have sadly passed away.

THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, from left: Richard Deacon, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Dick Van Dyke, Morey Amsterdam, 1961-1966

Everett Collection

Mary Tyler Moore (Laura) died on Jan. 25, 2017; Rose Marie (Sally Rogers) died on Dec. 28, 2017; Richard Deacon (Mel Cooley) died on Aug. 8, 1984; and Morey Amsterdam (Maurice “Buddy” Sorrell) died on Oct. 28, 1996. While we mourn the loss of most of the cast, including supporting stars, there are two actors who are still alive.

Dick Van Dyke (98)

Rob Petrie

Dick Van Dyke

Everett Collection; Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The show’s star is still alive at almost 99 years old. While he has slowed down in the last few years, he has continued to act throughout the decades appearing in Mary Poppins and its sequel, Night at the Museum, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bye Bye Birdie, Diagnosis Murder and many, many more. Unfortunately, he recently canceled several appearances due to his declining health and age. He admitted that he is praying that he makes it to his 99th birthday at the end of this year. We hope so too!

Larry Mathews (69)

Ritchie Petrie

Larry Mathews

Everett Collection; Tara Ziemba/Getty Images

It makes sense that Mathews is one of the only surviving cast members since he was only 10 at the time of the show’s finale. While he is best known for his role on The Dick Van Dyke Show, he seemingly quit acting after that, although he appears as his grownup character in the YouTube web show TV Therapy. He switched to working behind the camera on shows like Soap and Benson, which led to a career in post-production sales. Learn more about him in our exclusive interview below:

Classic TV Shows of the ’50s & ’60s
Want More?

Classic TV Shows of the ’50s & ’60s

September 2020

Test your knowledge, from Bonanza and Gunsmoke to I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeannie, Star Trek and more fun TV of the 1950s and 1960s.

Buy This Issue