Let’s talk about Dick Van Dyke. The man’s had a tough start to the year, but he’s not letting anything slow him down. Wildfires have thrown his life into chaos, but through it all, Dick’s keeping his chin up and inspiring those around him. Friends and family can’t help but admire his resilience and determination to make the most of every moment.
“Dick’s proving everyone wrong, and we’re all in awe of him,” an insider told Closer in an exclusive scoop. “He’s always had this incredible ability to find the silver lining, even when things seem darkest. Right now, he’s pushing through the madness, focusing on enjoying his 99th year, counting his blessings, and figuring out what’s next in the months ahead.”
December’s Fire: A Night Dick Will Never Forget
Back in December 2024, the Franklin Fire swept through Malibu, forcing Dick and his wife, Arlene Silver, to evacuate their home. At 99 years old, Dick faced one of the most challenging moments of his life. The legendary Mary Poppins actor recounted the harrowing experience during an interview with NBC News correspondent Dana Griffin.
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“I was crawling to the car—I was so exhausted I couldn’t even stand up,” Dick recalled. “But then, three incredible neighbors came to my rescue. They carried me out, went back to put out a small fire in the guesthouse, and saved my life. I’ll never forget their bravery and kindness.”
The Search for Bobo: A Heartwarming Turn of Events
In the midst of the evacuation, one of Dick’s beloved cats, Bobo, managed to escape. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Dick shared the news with his fans.
“Arlene and I safely evacuated with all our animals—except for Bobo, who slipped away as we were leaving,” he wrote. “We’re praying for his safety and hoping our community in Serra Retreat survives these devastating fires.”
Luckily, the story had a happy ending. When Dick and Arlene returned home after the fire, they were overjoyed to find Bobo waiting for them.
“We found Bobo first thing this morning. So many people were concerned about his disappearance that Animal Control got involved,” Dick wrote on Facebook. “But thankfully, he was right where we left him and completely unharmed. We’re so grateful to have him back.”
Life After the Fire: Staying Strong in Malibu
As 2025 began, many celebrities were forced to flee their Malibu homes after fires ravaged Southern California. Arlene took to Instagram Live to update fans, revealing that their home was still standing but they had lost power.
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“Keeping Dick warm and entertained has been my top priority,” Arlene shared. “Without power or regular electricity, we don’t have WiFi, so we’ve been using my nearby camper to charge our devices. But Dick’s more comfortable here than anywhere else—it’s easier to take care of him here.”
Despite the challenges, Arlene emphasized their commitment to staying in Malibu. “We have no plans to leave this place,” she said. “This is our home, and we’ll rebuild if we have to.”
Counting Blessings and Staying Active
According to a source close to the couple, Dick is grateful for everything he has after the harrowing experience. “Arlene’s been taking great care of him, but Dick’s handling things pretty well on his own,” the source told Closer. “Sure, he’s had some scary moments—like when he had to evacuate during the Franklin fire and was completely worn out—but he’s stronger than most people realize. He’s determined to stay in Malibu, and thankfully, Arlene’s there to lend a helping hand when needed.”
In a recent appearance on the “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” podcast, the Emmy-winning actor revealed how he stays fit and healthy at 99. “Someone asked me what I attribute my age and physical condition to,” Dick said. “I told them, ‘I’ve always exercised three days a week.’ Even now, we still go to the gym three times a week, and I think that’s the key.”
