His divorced mother brought him up until she dumped him off at a military school. At age twelve, Ricky was uncommonly bright and attractive. He was then invited to live with a father of whom he has never met. Upon arrival, Ricky realized that his father was more of a child than he was. His house was filled with games, stuffed animals, and a miniature train that he rode around from room to room. Ricky soon helped his father, Edward, to learn to be a father while Edward helped Ricky learn to have fun. There were other people on the show as well. Kate his secretary(who he married in February 1985), Loenard his lawyer, and Dexter his business manager and family friend. Grandfather Stratton also stopped by from time to time. Derek, J.T., and Freddie were friends of Ricky's from school. Dexter's nephew, Alfonso, arrived in 1984 and became Ricky's new best friend.