The Show that Almost Wasn't - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Larry Surrell · 02-14-2009, 02:29 PM

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!

MickeyMac · 02-14-2009, 02:55 PM

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

treky · 02-14-2009, 10:59 PM

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

Marvo301 · 02-15-2009, 02:27 AM

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!

Larry Surrell · 02-15-2009, 02:10 PM

Johnny Carson as Rob Petrie:

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

Laura - Oh Rob, heyyoooooooo.

02-14-2009, 02:29 PM	#1
Larry Surrell Ed M. 1918-2006 RIP Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 27, 2003 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 702	The Show that Almost Wasn't 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!

02-14-2009, 10:59 PM	#3
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	yes, that's right. I remember reading that somewhere once.
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

02-15-2009, 02:27 AM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	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!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

02-14-2009, 02:55 PM	#2
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,008	Well I am glad that Johnny didnt get the role(nothing against him).

02-15-2009, 02:10 PM	#5
Larry Surrell Ed M. 1918-2006 RIP Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 27, 2003 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Posts: 702	Johnny Carson as Rob Petrie: Rob - Uh...Laura...ya ha (kisses Laura). That's one. Laura - Oh Rob, heyyoooooooo.