Beloved Actor Dick Van Dyke Celebrates 97th Birthday
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It's impossible not to love Dick Van Dyke. The Hollywood legend is loved all over the world for his jovial character, enduring spirit and timeless performance in shows and films like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
On Tuesday, December 13, he turned 97 years old — a milestone event that surely carries special memories in the hearts of many fans — both young and old.
Just days prior to his birthday, Van Dyke jokingly said: ‘If I’d known I was going to live this long I’d have taken better care of myself!’
But what would be a great 97th birthday celebration for someone like him? Well, ‘just hiding out’, apparently!
The veteran actor said there really wasn’t anything remarkable lined up for him on his special day.
Van Dyke, spotted casually strolling the streets of Hollywood, also had a funny response when asked his secret to a long and healthy life.
‘Well, I don’t know, all my friends are dead so I’m not going to complain!’
On a more serious note, one clue to his longevity is his active lifestyle.
Despite being only three years away from his centennial, it’s reported that Van Dyke is a common sight around Hollywood driving his silver Lexus while running errands.
In 2021, he revealed that he still maintains his physique with an impressive workout routine and said: ‘I’m looking forward to a hundred (years of age). George Burns made it, and I’m making it too.’
Outside of exercise, Van Dyke is also active in society.
Last October he was seen handing out money to job seekers and homeless people in Malibu to help out the Malibu Community Labour Exchange, said to be his favourite charity.
Van Dyke has been married to former make-up artist Arlene Silver — who is younger than him by four decades — since 2012.
Prior to his current relationship, he was with Margerie Willet for 36 years, having married in 1948 and divorced in 1984.
In his memoir, Van Dyke admitted that he and Willet had lost the spark long before they officially cut matrimonial ties.
He said he was ‘writhing in guilt’ over his affair with Michelle Triola, his agent’s secretary, who he confided in because of his marital woes.
Willet died in 2008 of pancreatic cancer. Triola died a year later after a bout with lung cancer.
Meanwhile in terms of his career, Van Dyke is only one Oscar Award away from EGOT status.
EGOT, formed from the first letters of the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, is an elite accolade only a distinguished few in Hollywood have achieved.
When asked last year if he still considers himself an active actor, he responded in the affirmative.
‘Oh sure!’ he said.
‘I like to perform, but I didn’t know how much until this year. I’d do anything on the stage right now.’
That’s the spirit, Dick! What a legend!
So, what is your reaction to this news? Do you have any well wishes for Van Dyke?
Share your thoughts and messages below!
Source: YouTube/Access Hollywood
On Tuesday, December 13, he turned 97 years old — a milestone event that surely carries special memories in the hearts of many fans — both young and old.
Just days prior to his birthday, Van Dyke jokingly said: ‘If I’d known I was going to live this long I’d have taken better care of myself!’
But what would be a great 97th birthday celebration for someone like him? Well, ‘just hiding out’, apparently!
The veteran actor said there really wasn’t anything remarkable lined up for him on his special day.
Van Dyke was spotted earlier this year heading to a local labour centre to hand out cash to those in need. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/Entertainment Tonight
Van Dyke, spotted casually strolling the streets of Hollywood, also had a funny response when asked his secret to a long and healthy life.
‘Well, I don’t know, all my friends are dead so I’m not going to complain!’
On a more serious note, one clue to his longevity is his active lifestyle.
Despite being only three years away from his centennial, it’s reported that Van Dyke is a common sight around Hollywood driving his silver Lexus while running errands.
In 2021, he revealed that he still maintains his physique with an impressive workout routine and said: ‘I’m looking forward to a hundred (years of age). George Burns made it, and I’m making it too.’
Outside of exercise, Van Dyke is also active in society.
Last October he was seen handing out money to job seekers and homeless people in Malibu to help out the Malibu Community Labour Exchange, said to be his favourite charity.
Van Dyke has been married to former make-up artist Arlene Silver — who is younger than him by four decades — since 2012.
Van Dyke played a doting father in The Dick Van Dyke Show. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/FilmRise Television
Prior to his current relationship, he was with Margerie Willet for 36 years, having married in 1948 and divorced in 1984.
In his memoir, Van Dyke admitted that he and Willet had lost the spark long before they officially cut matrimonial ties.
He said he was ‘writhing in guilt’ over his affair with Michelle Triola, his agent’s secretary, who he confided in because of his marital woes.
Willet died in 2008 of pancreatic cancer. Triola died a year later after a bout with lung cancer.
Meanwhile in terms of his career, Van Dyke is only one Oscar Award away from EGOT status.
EGOT, formed from the first letters of the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, is an elite accolade only a distinguished few in Hollywood have achieved.
When asked last year if he still considers himself an active actor, he responded in the affirmative.
Van Dyke said in a 2021 interview that he had no plans of retiring from acting. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/American Film Institute
‘Oh sure!’ he said.
‘I like to perform, but I didn’t know how much until this year. I’d do anything on the stage right now.’
That’s the spirit, Dick! What a legend!
Share your thoughts and messages below!
Source: YouTube/Access Hollywood
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