What Is Larry Mathews’ Net Worth?
Larry Mathews, born Larry Mazzeo on August 15, 1955, in Burbank, California, is an American actor best known for his role as Ritchie Petrie on “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” According to Celebrity Net Worth, Larry Mathews has an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025.
Early Career and “The Dick Van Dyke Show”
Larry Mathews began his acting career at a young age, landing the role of Ritchie Petrie on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” in 1961 at the age of 4 and a half. He was chosen by Carl Reiner to bring “freshness to the character.” He starred on the show from 1961 to 1966, appearing in 158 episodes. According to a 2024 article, when “The Dick Van Dyke Show” first started, Dick Van Dyke’s original contract is said to have paid him $1,500 per episode. In 2024, that is about $1,782.62. While the exact salaries of the other actors in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” isn’t mentioned, Mary Tyler Moore’s starting salary was significantly lower, as she was a “newbie.” However, Rose Marie was offered $1,000 per episode, “a deal she took right away.” While starring on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” Larry Mathews had a private tutor and skipped a grade.
Post-“Dick Van Dyke Show” Activities
After “The Dick Van Dyke Show” ended in 1966, Mathews stepped away from acting to pursue a more conventional childhood. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1976 with a degree in Theatre Arts. Following college, Mathews worked behind the scenes in the television industry. From 1979 to 1981, he worked in the editorial departments of several TV series, including “Soap,” “Benson,” and “It’s a Living,” as Larry Mazzeo. Specifically, he worked as a post-production coordinator for “Soap” (32 episodes), “Benson” (45 episodes), and “It’s a Living” (8 episodes). He has held different post-production positions such as assistant producer, editor, and assistant director.
Return to Acting and Other Appearances
Mathews reprised his role as Ritchie Petrie in the TV movie “The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited” in 2004. In addition to his role on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited,” Mathews has also appeared in “The Dick Powell Theatre” (1 episode), the TV movie “Chairman’s Choice” (1993), and the short film “A Day in the Life of Plain Jen” (2011). He also appeared in “TV Therapy” (2021). Mathews has also appeared on various television programs to discuss his role on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” including “This Is Your Life,” “The Mike Douglas Show,” and the documentary “The Actor’s Journey.”
Overview of Larry Mathews’ $2 Million Net Worth
Larry Mathews’ $2 million net worth primarily stems from his successful early career as a child actor on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” from 1961 to 1966. While specific financial details from his time on the show are not publicly available, his earnings as a child actor would have contributed to his financial foundation. Mathews’s work behind the scenes in television production and post-production following his graduation from UCLA also contributed to his income. Although information on specific earnings from these roles is not available, his 37 years in various production roles allowed him to accumulate wealth. Appearances at conventions, reunions, and interviews related to “The Dick Van Dyke Show” would have provided additional income. These appearances keep Mathews connected to his iconic role and provide financial opportunities through fan engagement and media appearances.