At 99, Dick Van Dyke Names The Six Actors He Hated

Dick Van Dyke, a legendary figure in television history, has always been known for his charm, humor, and infectious joy. However, after nearly a century in the spotlight, he is ready to reveal some of the less-than-pleasant moments of his illustrious career. In a candid conversation, he names six actors with whom he had complicated relationships, shedding light on behind-the-scenes tensions and emotional betrayals. This blog post delves into the complicated relationships between Van Dyke and his co-stars, focusing specifically on his experiences with Mary Tyler Moore and Rosemary.

 

On screen, Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore were an iconic couple. Their chemistry was palpable, and audiences loved their performances. However, behind the scenes, things were not as rosy as they seemed. When they first met, Van Dyke expressed concern about the 12-year age gap between him and Moore. He questioned whether she was right for the role of Laura Petrie, but creator Carl Reiner assured him that audiences wouldn't notice. And he was right; as the cameras rolled, the age gap became more and more blurred.

As their working relationship deepened, so did Van Dyke's feelings for Moore. He had a crush on her, but never acted on it, creating an emotional undercurrent that complicated their professional relationship. Moore later joked about the relationship, reinforcing the tension without crossing any boundaries. As the show became popular, Moore became a household name. While Van Dyke admired her talent, he also felt the pressure of being overshadowed. The shift in focus from his character to hers created a palpable tension on set, further complicating their relationship.

Rosemary, who played Sally Rogers, initially believed she would be the female lead alongside Van Dyke. However, as Moore rose to prominence, Rosemary found herself sidelined, leading to growing resentment. Feeling overlooked, Rosemary turned to Carl Reiner to express her frustration. The film's shift in focus meant her character had less opportunity to perform, leading to palpable tension between the actors.

Reiner's attempt to defuse the situation with a joke about their legs only served to exacerbate Rosemary's feelings of underappreciation. She wanted to be recognized for her talent, not reduced to a passing remark. Dick Van Dyke's Dilemma

Caught in the middle, Van Dyke watched both actresses and felt the weight of their unspoken concerns. The set became a silent battlefield, where laughter often masked frustration and bruised egos. Despite her professionalism, Rosemary's resentment lingered long after filming ended. In later interviews, she recalled her feelings of being overshadowed, noting the emotional toll the experience took.