Robert Petrie

Overview
Robert Simpson "Rob" Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) — Rob is the head writer of the comedy writing team for the fictional TV variety show, The Alan Brady Show, working with Sally Rogers and Buddy Sorrell. When not working, Rob enjoys life with his wife Laura Petrie, played by Mary Tyler Moore, and his son, Ritchie Petrie, portrayed by Larry Mathews. Rob, Laura, and Ritchie live in New Rochelle, New York. Their neighbors are longtime friends, Millie Helper and her dentist husband Jerry Helper. Rob is a big fan of old-time radio, cowboy movies, and Laurel and Hardy, as well as an excellent mime and fan of pantomime. He incorporates many favorite routines into his comedy writing. He has living parents, Sam Petrie and Clara Petrie. Rob was born in Danville, Illinois (Dick Van Dyke's boyhood home), along with younger brother Stacey Petrie, and served in the military at Camp Crowder, Missouri as a Special Services Sergeant. There he met his future wife, Laura Meehan, a USO dancer. After a number of jobs, he was hired by Alan Brady.

First Appearance
Rob first appears in the first episode of the show, "The Sick Boy and the Sitter." In this episode, Rob and Laura have to deal with their son, Ritchie, who is sick but also attend Alan Brady's party. Rob wants to go to the party, hiring a babysitter named Janie Miller to look after Ritchie but Laura is too scared to leave her son, constantly trying to stay home throughout the episode. After the couple talk it out, Rob literally carries Laura out the door, leaving Janie in charge of Ritchie.

After leaving the party, Rob and Laura come home to find Janie's parents in their house, detailing an incident that occurred while they were gone. When blood is mentioned, Laura screams and runs for Ritchie's room, seeing that he is perfectly fine. They then learn it was actually Janie who hit her head on the freezer door.