As Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 98th birthday this month, he’s more determined than ever to live life to the fullest. In an exclusive chat with Closer, the iconic star opened up about his mindset: “I’ve come to realize I don’t have much of a future, and that makes me want to live in the moment even more.” That’s the kind of wisdom you only gain after nearly a century of life.
A Career Spanning Six Decades
Dick Van Dyke isn’t just a name; he’s a legacy. Fans may not dwell on the past, but for them, Dick’s work has been a constant source of joy for over six decades. To honor his incredible journey, CBS is airing a special tribute, Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic, on December 21 at 9 p.m. ET. This two-hour special promises to be a celebration of everything that makes Dick Van Dyke a true legend. Executive producer Craig Plestis shares, “We’re going to highlight the music and the magic he’s brought to the world, from Bye Bye Birdie to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and, of course, Mary Poppins. There’s no one else like him today.”
A Gentleman Through and Through
When it comes to kindness and humility, Dick Van Dyke sets the bar high. “Out of everyone I’ve ever met in Hollywood, Dick is hands down the nicest guy,” says Plestis. “He’s a true gentleman, always wanting to create content that’s family-friendly. It’s refreshing to see someone so good-hearted last this long in the business.” Dick’s warmth and authenticity have made him a beloved figure not just in Hollywood, but around the world.
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A Life Full of Purpose
Growing up in Illinois, Dick served as a radio announcer during World War II. But it wasn’t until the birth of his first child, Christian, in 1950 that he fully committed to his craft. Dick is also the proud father of Barry, Carrie Beth, and Stacy. Reflecting on his journey, Dick says, “If I hadn’t had kids, I might still be back in my hometown. Like many from the Depression era, I wanted my kids to have opportunities I never did. That’s what drove me to pursue acting and singing, even though I didn’t start dancing until my 30s.”
A Star is Born
Dick’s Broadway debut in 1959 marked the beginning of a remarkable career. The following year, he landed the lead role in Bye Bye Birdie, which catapulted him to fame. This success led to a move to Los Angeles and his iconic role as Rob Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show, a series that aired from 1961 to 1966. Dick recalls, “Doing a series was perfect for me because I was home every night with the kids. It felt like a normal job.” But his work didn’t stop there. During breaks, he starred in films like Mary Poppins and Bye Bye Birdie. He even brought his family along for the ride, spending nearly a year in England filming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968. “We were never really apart,” he fondly remembers.
Legendary Leading Ladies
Dick has been lucky to share the screen with some of the most talented women in the industry. Mary Tyler Moore, who joined him on The Dick Van Dyke Show at just 24, quickly became a close collaborator. “We developed this unspoken connection. We could read each other’s minds,” he says. Dick also cherishes his memories of working with Julie Andrews on Mary Poppins, calling her “incredibly talented and fun.” And then there’s Carol Burnett, whose variety series he joined in 1977. “Carol and I go way back to the ’50s when we both appeared on TV’s Pantomime Quiz for $200 a week. We’ve been friends ever since,” he adds.
Tributes to Icons
As Dick’s career flourished, he had the chance to meet and befriend childhood idols like Stan Laurel and Buster Keaton. “Stan was such a kind soul. I’d bombard him with questions, and he’d always call me Dickie,” Dick recalls. “Buster, on the other hand, was shy. I remember sitting with his wife in their living room when suddenly, he burst in wearing his trademark flat hat and playing the ukulele. It was unforgettable.” Dick was honored to deliver eulogies at both men’s funerals in the mid-1960s, a testament to his deep respect for these comedy legends.
Legacy and Reflection
Now, a new generation of comedians looks up to Dick as their role model. “I told Jim Carrey he stole my act. I used to do those same eccentric movements,” Dick jokes. “He just laughed. He was flattered.” Despite his immense success, Dick admits to a few regrets. As a kid, he dreamed of playing the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz and would’ve loved the role of Willy Wonka. He also regrets passing on opportunities to work with Cary Grant and starring in The Omen, though he steered clear of the latter due to its violent themes.
There were other projects he felt right to decline, like Cat Ballou, which won an Academy Award for Lee Marvin. “The script was terrible, but Lee made it shine. I could never have done what he did,” Dick confesses. Yet, he remains proud of his continued relevance. This year alone, he competed as Gnome on The Masked Singer, played an amnesiac on Days of Our Lives, and lent his voice to The Simpsons. Looking ahead, he’s open to new challenges. “I’m old enough to tackle King Lear. Maybe I’ll give Shakespeare a shot,” he muses. His secret to longevity? “Emotionally, I’m still about 13. I didn’t expect to be this lucky. I just hoped to make a living.”
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