America’s Favorite Sitcom Son Returns After ‘Dick Van Dyke’ Ended 60 Years Ago originally appeared on Parade.
Nearly six decades have passed since television audiences last saw little Ritchie Petrie ran around the New Rochelle home where his father Rob would famously trip over the ottoman.
Now, the actor who brought that beloved character to life is returning to where it all began — both literally and figuratively.
Larry Matthews, who captured America’s hearts as the precocious son on The Dick Van Dyke Show, is making a rare public appearance in New Rochelle, New York, the same city that served as his fictional family’s hometown on the sitcom.
This nostalgic homecoming promises to offer fans access to behind-the-scenes stories from one of TV’s most influential comedy series.
The Dick Van Dyke Show premiered in 1961 and ran for five seasons until 1966, changing the landscape of American television comedy. Unlike the typical sitcoms of the era, the show split its time between Rob’s workplace at a television variety show and his home life with wife Laura and son Ritchie.
The New Rochelle Public Library, in partnership with the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, is hosting this special celebration on Saturday, September 13. The event represents a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from someone who lived through television history during its golden age.
Matthews, who was just six years old when the show began, grew up on screen alongside comedy legends. He worked closely not just with Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, but also with the ensemble cast including Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam and Richard Deacon.
The celebration will feature multiple elements designed to immerse fans in the show’s legacy. For starters, Matthews will provide live commentary during a screening of his personal favorite episode, “Never Name a Duck.”
Perhaps most exciting for fans will be the screening of never-before-seen color home movies and rare behind-the-scenes photographs from the original set.
The interactive portion of the event continues with an audience question-and-answer session, where attendees will have chances to win autographed memorabilia. A meet-and-greet reception will provide selfie and autograph opportunities, though fees apply and only cash will be accepted.
“New Rochelle has always been proud to be part of television history through The Dick Van Dyke Show,” said Eugenia Schatoff, Executive Director of the New Rochelle Public Library.
“Welcoming Larry Mathews back to his TV ‘hometown’ is a treat for fans of all ages, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a show that brought so much laughter and joy to so many.”
The event is free and open to all attendees, though registration is required and seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Given the rarity of such an appearance, early registration is strongly recommended to secure a spot.
America’s Favorite Sitcom Son Returns After ‘Dick Van Dyke’ Ended 60 Years Ago first appeared on Parade on Aug 15, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
