 |
| Bob Crane, Dick Van Dyke, and Mary Tyler Moore "Somebody Has to Play Cleopatra" Dick Van Dyke Show, 1962 |
The legendary, award-winning actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke hardly needs an introduction. He is universally known and recognized for his terrific work in television (The Dick Van Dyke Show, Diagnosis Murder), in theatre (Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man), and in film (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins).
Not unlike Bob Crane, Dick Van Dyke's career started in radio. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio announcer in Special Services where he entertained the troops. After the war, he worked in the news room for a radio station in Illinois.
In 1962, Carl Reiner, producer and creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show, cast Bob as the character of Harry Rogers in the episode, "Somebody Has to Play Cleopatra." (To watch the episode on IMDB, click here.) This was one of Bob's first roles on television, and it helped pave the way for his being hired as a semi-regular cast member on The Donna Reed Show.
In 1962, Carl Reiner, producer and creator of The Dick Van Dyke Show, cast Bob as the character of Harry Rogers in the episode, "Somebody Has to Play Cleopatra." (To watch the episode on IMDB, click here.) This was one of Bob's first roles on television, and it helped pave the way for his being hired as a semi-regular cast member on The Donna Reed Show.
Dick was a guest on Bob's KNX radio show in 1964 shortly after The Dick Van Dyke Show took home a series of Emmy Awards. In this interview segment, Bob talks with Dick about his start in radio and his work as an actor.
Bob Crane - Dick Van Dyke Interview Segment
Bob Crane Show / KNX-CBS Radio
1964
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Note: In May 2011, Dick Van Dyke published his memoirs in his new book, My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business: A Memoir.