Larry Mathews' Life after 'Dick Van Dyke Show' Ended

Among the few surviving cast members of the 60's hit "The Dick Van Dyke Show" is actor Larry Mathews, the man who played the role of Richie Petrie in the sitcom.

Larry Mathews, the youngest star of "The Dick Van Dyke Show," was merely 5 years old when he landed the role of Richie Petrie.

Born on August 15, 1955, in California, Mathews is best known for his role in "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited."

During his time in the hit sitcom, the actor received only one acting credit. Mathews had made a career in the entertainment industry, but he didn't continue acting after the show ended in 1966.

A decade later, the actor graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles. Although his acting career had come to an end, he still cherishes the memories he made during his time on "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

LARRY ON GROWING UP WITH MARY TYLER MOORE

On January 25, 2017, actress Mary Tyler Moore left the world after a struggle with pneumonia. Hundreds of fans around the world were saddened by the news of her departure, including her on-screen son.

Moore's character Laura Petrie was the on-screen mother of Mathews. She was not only his maternal role model but also a supportive peer throughout his adult life.

Mathews has countless childhood memories with the Emmy-winning actress. In an interview with Parade, the actor opened up what Moore meant to him.

“She was like a mother in a lot of ways…she was the figure there that I grew up with as a child…I’m lucky enough to have two wonderful families and Mary being a huge part of that."

HIS FONDEST MEMORY OF MARY

On the set of "The Dick Van Dyke Show," Mary was a teacher, a mother, and a big sister to Mathews. The duo didn't see much of each other after the show ended, but they met in 2004 for "The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited."

During that time, Moore praised Mathews for his acting skills and his character. She even told his mother that he was an amazing man and that she was proud of him.

The way she praised Mathews touched his heart and he would go on keep those words in the bottom of his heart.

"It was such a wonderful piece of closure…It overwhelmed me and I think of it all the time actually," Mathews fondly reminisced how he felt after hearing those kind words from Moore.