I was at the vet this morning getting shots for the dog. While looking through the magazines there I came across Healthy Pet Magazine with a picture of Dick Van Dyke and his wire-haired terrier Rocky on the cover. It was a good article about Dick and his family's love for dogs.

There was a sidebar in the article entitled The Show that Almost Wasn't. I didn't know this, but Dick Van Dyke was quoted in the sidebar as saying that Johnny Carson was considered for the role of Rob Petrie, and if he hadn't taken the Tonight Show host job there may not have been a Dick Van Dyke Show. Instead it could have been The Johnny Carson Show!

I'm having a hard time picturing Johnny as Rob Petrie!:eek:

Well I am glad that Johnny didnt get the role(nothing against him).

yes, that's right. I remember reading that somewhere once.

Johnny Carson and Dick Van Dyke were the only two serious candidates for the role of Rob Petrie. Sheldon Leonard, the executive producer, always wanted Dick for the part. After seeing Him in Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway, Carl Reiner was also convinced that Dick Van Dyke was the right man for the part. And the rest as they say is history!

Johnny Carson as Rob Petrie:

Rob - Uh...Laura...ya ha (kisses Laura). That's one.

Laura - Oh Rob, heyyoooooooo.