In brief
On Saturday, Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday, demonstrating his enduring spirit and love for life. The iconic actor, famous for his roles in 'Mary Poppins' and 'The Dick Van Dyke Show,' expressed a desire for more years, emphasizing the joy he finds in humor and the support of his wife, Arlene. Van Dyke also shared reflections on aging and his long career in the entertainment industry, highlighting a shift in perspective on portraying older characters.
Comedy icon Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, hitting the century mark some six decades after he sang and danced with Julie Andrews in “Mary Poppins” and starred in his self-titled sitcom.
“The funniest thing is, it’s not enough,” Van Dyke said in an interview with ABC News at his Malibu, California home. “A hundred years is not enough. You want to live more, which I plan to.”
Van Dyke became one of the biggest actors of his era with “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” which ran from 1961-66 on CBS; appeared with Julie Andrews as a chimney sweep in the 1964 Disney classic “Mary Poppins,” and, in his 70s, played a physician-sleuth on “Diagnosis: Murder.”
As a Broadway star, Van Dyke earned a Tony Award for “Bye Bye Birdie,” along with a Grammy and four Primetime Emmys. In 1963, he starred in the film version of “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Last year, he became the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy for a guest role on the soap “Days of Our Lives.”
In the 1970s, Van Dyke overcame alcoholism and has openly discussed his battle during a time when such conversations were rare.
After entering his 100s, Van Dyke gained a new perspective on playing older characters. “You know, I played old men a lot, and I always played them as angry and cantankerous,” he told ABC News. “It’s not really that way.”
He recently shared wisdom in his book, “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life,” and credited his youthful spirit to his 54-year-old wife, makeup artist and producer Arlene Silver, who he says provides energy and support.
Born in West Plains, Missouri, in 1925, Van Dyke grew up as “the class clown” and started performing at a young age. He reminisced about being cast as baby Jesus in a Christmas pageant at age four, where he cracked a joke that had the audience laughing.
On the challenges of turning 100, he said, “I miss movement,” referring humorously to his difficulties with mobility. “I still try to dance,” he added with a laugh.
