What do you think was Jerry Paris' most important contribution to the Dick Van Dyke Show? His acting or his directing? While Jerry was hilarious and stole almost every scene he was in as Dr. Jerry Helper, I think his creativity, enthusiasm, and fearlessness as a director was his greatest contribution to this series. Jerry had to beg Carl Reiner to give him a chance to direct when John Rich, the show's original "in house" director, left to direct movies. Eventually Carl gave in and the rest is history. Jerry went on to become not only the "in house" director of DVDS for the rest of it's run but also one of the best and most prolific directors ever in the field of situation comedy.

I'd say both. He was a great TV director and a great character actor too. The show benifited so much by him.

Good point Mickey! Both his acting and his directing were a benefit to the show. And I think he was underrated as a character actor!

I also say both.