http://www-deadline-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/head-of-the-family111015011419.png


Carl Reiner had initially shot a pilot in 1959 called Head of the Family in which he played Rob Petrie (the character that eventually became Van Dyke’s) but it didn’t sell. When it finally did two years later as The Dick Van Dyke Show, Exec Producer Sheldon Leonard explained at the time they finally figured out what it was missing: “an actor other than you!”

http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/hammond-tv-academy-salutes-legendary-carl-reiner/#more-183237

Since this show was so autobiographical it must have been weird for Carl Reiner to be told by Sheldon Leonard that he wasn't right for the part of himself. The funny thing is Sheldon Leonard was right! The show was much better with Dick Van Dyke in the lead!

http://www-deadline-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/head-of-the-family111015011419.png


Carl Reiner had initially shot a pilot in 1959 called Head of the Family in which he played Rob Petrie (the character that eventually became Van Dyke’s) but it didn’t sell. When it finally did two years later as The Dick Van Dyke Show, Exec Producer Sheldon Leonard explained at the time they finally figured out what it was missing: “an actor other than you!”

http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/hammond-tv-academy-salutes-legendary-carl-reiner/#more-183237

on head of the family the name was pronounced pee-tree

Reiner and Leonard talking about the switch:

https://youtu.be/ds5wc7g63To?si=xEYrBDlzWrsCmDpk

Since this show was so autobiographical it must have been weird for Carl Reiner to be told by Sheldon Leonard that he wasn't right for the part of himself.
Sorry this is off topic, but I saw It's a Wonderful Life the other night, and when Sheldon Leonard was on the screen, all I could think about was The Dick Van Dyke Show.

"Out you two pixies go, through the door, or out the window".