Mary Tyler Moore said that working with Dick Van Dyke ''spoiled'' her

The two actors loved working with each other.

July 23, 2024, 10:11AM By MeTV Staff

Genesis International

To have a co-star that you can get along with is a blessing, but to have a co-star so good that they ruin you for other costars is really the best that anyone can ask for.

After starring together in The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke became lifelong friends. In an interview with the Sunday News, Moore gushed about her co-star, saying that Van Dyke was such an admirable actor to work with that his presence would stick with Moore long after they were done filming.

"Dick Van Dyke spoils you for working with other people," said Moore. "I'm not just throwing Hollywood words around." Moore said that Van Dyke was "saint-like." Where Hollywood was the business of throwing your ego around, Moore maintained that Van Dyke was careful to stay humble. The actor was so humble, in fact, that his costars were quick to remind him what a true talent he was "He is so good, so kind, we all have to be sure he is getting his fair share," said Moore. "Every day you have to talk him into believing he's a star."

However, Moore was an incredible talent herself, as the interview explained that series creator Carl Reiner worked hard to make sure that Laura Petrie had lots of screen time, with no shortage of witty one-liners.

Moore took to acting with a determination and precision that should be envied. The actor argued that her motivation wasn't fame or wealth, but a genuine desire to work. "I have a deep need to work," Moore said. "I would go right out of my mind if I had nothing to look forward to but doing the dishes and dusting the house. I'm a terrible cook anyway. I can make breakfast and I can cook hamburgers and that's it. There's no hope for me."