Dick Van Dyke is an American actor, comedian, singer, and dancer who has entertained audiences for over 70 years. Born Richard Wayne Van Dyke on December 13, 1925 in West Plains, Missouri, he is now 98 years old. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, Van Dyke has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in show business.
Early Life and Education
Van Dyke grew up during the Great Depression in Danville, Illinois. His father lost his job as a salesman when Dick was just a young boy. To help his family financially, Van Dyke took a radio announcing job at age 14. In high school, Van Dyke was very active in theater and developed a passion for performing.
After a stint in the military during World War II, Van Dyke briefly attended college before dropping out to pursue acting full time. He gained experience in stand-up comedy and radio work before making it big.
Comedy and Acting Career Highlights
Van Dyke’s comedy and acting talents quickly earned him recognition. Some highlights include:
- Debut Broadway performance in 1959’s The Girls Against the Boys
- Starring role as comedy writer Rob Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966), which earned him 3 Emmys
- Major film roles including the 1964 hits Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Emmy-winning performance in the crime drama Diagnosis Murder (1993–2001)
- Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995
Still active in his 90s, Van Dyke continues to take on small acting roles demonstrating his wit and vitality.
Net Worth
After over 7 decades working as a top entertainer, He boasts an estimated net worth of $70 million. While comfortable, he has said much of his earnings have come from wise investments rather than outsized paychecks. Frugal by nature, Van Dyke lives modestly despite his fortune.
Relationships and Family
Van Dyke met his first wife, Margie Willett, while working in television. They married in 1948 and had 4 children together before divorcing in 1984 after a long separation. In 1974, Van Dyke began a relationship with Michelle Triola, living with her until her death in 2009.
In 2012, Van Dyke married makeup artist Arlene Silver, 46 years his junior. They reside in Malibu, California. Van Dyke has 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He attributes his long, happy marriage to sharing laughter and embracing life to the fullest.
Social Media Presence
Dick Van Dyke is a 97-year-old comedy legend who has been entertaining audiences for over seven decades. He is best known for his roles in The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Diagnosis Murder. He is also a singer, dancer, writer, and producer who has won five Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor.
Dick Van Dyke is active on Facebook and Twitter, where he has over 300,000 and 100,000 followers respectively. He often posts videos of him dancing and singing with his wife, Arlene Silver, who is 46 years his junior. He also shares jokes, memories, opinions, and gratitude with his fans. He is not afraid to speak his mind on political and social issues, such as supporting Bernie Sanders, advocating for animal rights, and denouncing racism. He also promotes his latest projects, such as his memoir, Keep Moving, and his cameo in Mary Poppins Returns.
Dick Van Dyke is an inspiration to many people who admire his longevity, vitality, and humor. He proves that age is just a number and that laughter is the best medicine. He is the ultimate entertainer who has a loyal and loving fan base.
Interesting Facts and Tidbits
Beyond his professional success, Dick Van Dyke has some intriguing facts associated with his lengthy career including:
- Got his stage name “Van Dyke” after hometown DJ told him his real name wasn’t “catchy” enough
- Longtime smoker, he finally quit after decades at age 83
- Avid surfer and diver well into his 70s
- Has written 3 books about his life and career experiences
- Received SAG’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013
Latest News
Dick Van Dyke shows no signs of slowing down even as he approaches centenarian status. He continues to make public appearances and take on occasional acting roles.
Van Dyke remains remarkably active physically and mentally. Fans can catch him in an upcoming documentary special called Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic airing December 19, 2022 on YouTube and CBS. The short film celebrates Van Dyke’s birthday and reviews his unparalleled career.
Controversy
Van Dyke has managed to steer clear of career-damaging controversy over his 70+ years in show business. Early on, however, his casting as cockney chimney sweep Bert in Mary Poppins was met with some criticism over his unconvincing accent. But his performance won over skeptics and the role has become one of Van Dyke’s most iconic.
Overall, Van Dyke enjoys a stellar reputation as a kind, generous performer both onscreen and off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dick Van Dyke
Dick Van Dyke is best known for starring in the hit 1960s sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show and for roles in classic films like Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Dick Van Dyke’s likeable persona – his humor, charm, talent, kindness towards others, and upbeat outlook – makes him a favorite both during his early career and later in life.
Van Dyke stays nimble physically and mentally by swimming, surfing, working out, maintaining a vegetarian diet, enjoying activity with his much younger wife, and keeping a positive mindset. His vibrant energy keeps him feeling decades younger.
Yes! Amazingly, Van Dyke still takes the occasional role at 98 years old. He most recently appeared in the 2022 documentary Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic celebrating his lengthy, vibrant career.
While Van Dyke has taken on many memorable roles, his comedy writer Rob Petrie character from The Dick Van Dyke Show remains his most well-known, beloved acting role earning him 3 Emmys
Conclusion
Dick Van Dyke’s seven-decade career remains unprecedented in longevity and acclaim. America feels they “grew up” with the friendly performer who helped shape early television. Approaching 100, Van Dyke entertains anew demonstrating the power of laughter and embracing the joys of life. His vibrant, youthful spirit serves as an inspiration. For brightening spirits through trying times, Dick Van Dyke rightfully earns the designation as “America’s Favorite Entertainer.”
