Why Dick Van Dyke Decided to Skip the FanX Event
Hey there, friends. Let me fill you in on what's been happening with the legendary Dick Van Dyke. After sitting out the 2024 Emmys, the beloved actor made another decision to cancel a public appearance. This time, it was the FanX event in Salt Lake City, Utah, scheduled from September 26 to September 29. The news broke on Monday, September 23, via an announcement from FanX.
In a statement released on the event's website, it was explained that the 98-year-old icon simply isn't able to travel at this time. The message read, "We are sorry to announce that Dick Van Dyke is not able to travel to FanX at this time." The team further elaborated, "He expresses his gratitude to all of those who continue to support him, but, at almost 99 years of age, traveling and interacting with thousands of people is more than he is able to do at this time."
Missing the Emmys: What Happened?
It’s worth noting that this decision comes after Dick was absent from the 2024 Emmys. Initially, the Academy had announced him as a presenter for the September 15 event, but he didn't make an appearance. Although no public reason was given for his absence, it seems clear that health and personal considerations are guiding his choices.
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But don’t get me wrong, Dick didn’t completely vanish from the spotlight this year. He did show up at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 7. There, he collected the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special for Dick Van Dyke 98 Years of Magic. And guess what? He even hit the stage with some impressive dance moves alongside his wife, Arlene Silver.
A Heartfelt Moment at the Emmys
During his acceptance speech, Dick took a moment to express his deep gratitude. "Thank you, that reception, I cannot tell you what it means," he said, beaming with joy. "I’m 99 next month." It was a touching reminder of his incredible journey and the lasting impact he's had on audiences worldwide.
He also made sure to give a shout-out to his wife, saying, “The young lady who got this award, you may think of the word nepotism and I would understand it, but this lady got the job all by herself as producer of the Dick Van Dyke special because she knows me inside and out, and knows how I work, and don’t take no sass from anybody. Arlene Van Dyke!” It was a sweet tribute to their partnership both in life and in work.
Arlene, his wife of over a decade, also took the stage to praise her husband. "Thank you so much," she said. "It is an honor to spend my life with you… We got four nominations that put love, heart and soul into the show. To honor you, you’ve created endless joy and playfulness for generations to come."
Later, backstage, Dick opened up about his legacy. "For laughter, I hope," he shared. "Hopefully for making people laugh for 75 years. I’ve been in the business 75 years. I can’t believe it, that I’m still here and performing." With a playful grin, he joked, "I’m looking for work if anybody has [any]!"
What’s Next for Dick Van Dyke?
Despite stepping back from some public appearances, the legendary entertainer isn’t slowing down completely. He's already dreaming up his next project—a one-man show. "I was thinking of doing — 80 years in the business, I have a lot of stories to tell. I thought I’d just do a one-man show, like this," he told People on June 11. "Just sit and talk to the audience."
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He’s got a list of ideas and is getting closer to making the project a reality. Arlene chimed in, noting that Dick has "gotten so many requests" for his own show. "He’s got amazing stories," she added, hinting at the exciting possibilities ahead.
