Richard Meeker

Question: I read a question-and-answer that was originally published in September 2005. The question was about Laura Petrie's maiden name on The Dick Van Dyke Show. The answer was Meehan. I recall one episode in which her maiden name was Meeker, and then in subsequent episodes it was Meehan. I remember reading an explanation, but I don't remember what it was.

Answer: No problem, Laura — luckily, I do. Mary Tyler Moore, who played Laura on the legendary show, divorced husband Richard Meeker and didn't want to keep his name as her character's maiden name. So via the magic of TV, it changed. Want to make a fortune? Invent a machine allowing us to change the past without any other ill effects in real life, too.