Is it a coincidence that Larry Mathews grew up to look like a lost Reiner? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

dee2364 · 09-05-2023, 01:32 PM

I was curious to know what happened to Larry Matthews, so I looked him up. What's so bizarre is that he wound up looking like a lost member of the Reiner family. And no, I'm not talking about the fact that he's bald. He has similar features to Rob Reiner, too, especially the eyes when they smile in photos. I'm wondering if, since the show was based on Carl Reiner's personal life, if Larry Matthews was chosen because of the strong resemblance to Rob Reiner as a kid.

stevea · 09-09-2023, 02:55 PM

Speaking of Larry Mathews, here's an interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3inzLz4jQmY

forn · 09-15-2023, 07:44 PM

If it's not a coincidence, what are you suggesting?

I feel a little sorry for Larry Matthews. Here he was on one of the greatest sitcoms of all time (the greatest, IMO), but the fanbase spouts a lot of dislike for his character and his acting. And he was just a little kid at the time.

dee2364 · 08-25-2024, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forn

If it's not a coincidence, what are you suggesting?

I wasn't suggesting anything. I just found it uncanny how much he grew up to look related to the Reiners as an adult. He could've looked like Rob Reiner as a kid but then grown up looking completely different. That's usually what happens when a kid is picked to resemble a TV parent. Instead, he looks related. If it's not a coincidence, then I guess it shows how much the DVDS was an extension of his personal life.

ETA: I don't think I've ever heard people really disliking Ritchie or Larry Matthews. This seems like an internet thing, like how you never heard anyone hating Wesley Crusher or Anakin Skywalker until there were forums and online, people skew anti-kid and anti-cute.

09-05-2023, 01:32 PM	#1
dee2364 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 20, 2019 Posts: 643	Is it a coincidence that Larry Mathews grew up to look like a lost Reiner? I was curious to know what happened to Larry Matthews, so I looked him up. What's so bizarre is that he wound up looking like a lost member of the Reiner family. And no, I'm not talking about the fact that he's bald. He has similar features to Rob Reiner, too, especially the eyes when they smile in photos. I'm wondering if, since the show was based on Carl Reiner's personal life, if Larry Matthews was chosen because of the strong resemblance to Rob Reiner as a kid.

09-09-2023, 02:55 PM	#2
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,170	Larry Mathews shares his journey from normal childhood to a starring role on DVD Speaking of Larry Mathews, here's an interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3inzLz4jQmY

09-15-2023, 07:44 PM	#3
forn Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Mar 18, 2022 Posts: 290	If it's not a coincidence, what are you suggesting? I feel a little sorry for Larry Matthews. Here he was on one of the greatest sitcoms of all time (the greatest, IMO), but the fanbase spouts a lot of dislike for his character and his acting. And he was just a little kid at the time.