Every younger sibling understands what it's like growing up in an older sibling's shadow. You spend your childhood in their hand-me-downs, and your adult life is spent being compared to them through everything. As siblings, you're tied together for the rest of your lives, no matter how hard you struggle.

The Van Dyke brothers were lucky enough to be two siblings who legitimately loved each other, both as brothers and costars. Both actors, Dick and Jerry appeared together in programs like The Dick Van Dyke Show. Jerry Van Dyke played Stacey Petrie, brother of Rob Petrie, played by Dick Van Dyke.

The role was Jerry Van Dyke's television debut, and it was a role that viewers remembered for years.

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"You know, I guess people do remember the good things," said Van Dyke during an interview with The La Crosse Tribune. "Whenever I go on the road, I'm told 'We liked you on The Dick Van Dyke Show.' That was a two-parter four years ago. They have forgotten those other things."

By "those other things," Van Dyke seemed to refer to shows like My Mother the Car, a sitcom starring the actor that focused on the main character's mother living as a restored car. The series only lasted one season before its cancellation. Despite misgivings like these, Jerry Van Dyke always dreamt of being recognized for his work in television.

"One thing I've always wanted was to be known by my character's name," said Van Dyke during an interview with The Times. "That means you've made it. I did not want to be known as Jerry Van Dyke."

Of course, that dream came true when Van Dyke co-starred in the hit series, Coach. No longer was he simply Jerry Van Dyke, Dick's younger brother.

Now, when I walk down the street and people say, 'Hey, Luther!'" said Van Dyke. "It's unbelievable. It's a thrill. That's really what the whole thing is, a thrill."