The legendary entertainer Dick Van Dyke, a household name for decades, suffered minor injuries in a car accident near his Malibu home on March 15, according to TMZ. The Emmy-winning star was driving his 2018 Lexus LS 500 when the vehicle struck a gate. Thankfully, the damage wasn't severe, but let’s dive deeper into what happened and how Dick is doing now. Keep reading to learn more about the accident and his recovery.
How Did the Accident Happen?
The single-car incident unfolded on slick Californian roads, which had been drenched by relentless rain for weeks. At 97 years old, Dick recounted to authorities that the wet conditions made the streets perilously slippery, causing him to lose control of his luxury sedan. The vehicle careened off course, eventually colliding with a nearby structure.
What Injuries Did Dick Van Dyke Suffer?
Following the crash, the beloved Mary Poppins star was found bleeding from his nose and mouth, as reported by TMZ. Paramedics quickly arrived at the scene and tended to Dick’s wounds, but he didn’t require transportation to a hospital. Instead, a friend or family member picked him up to ensure he didn’t have to drive home in his current state.
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The Malibu Police Department confirmed the accident, noting that the local fire department also responded to the scene. Despite the crash, Dick has yet to publicly comment on the incident or his condition, leaving fans anxious for updates.
On March 26, Dick finally addressed the accident during an outing with his wife, Arlene Silver. Speaking candidly to TMZ, he joked about being "sore all over" but remained in good spirits. He explained that the airbags didn’t deploy, leading him to "face plant" into the steering wheel. Fortunately, aside from a couple of stitches near his lip, he reassured fans that he’s doing "pretty good."
With a self-deprecating sense of humor, Dick quipped, "I’m 97 — all my friends are dead." His lightheartedness in the face of adversity is a testament to his enduring charm and resilience.
Dick Van Dyke's Community Spirit
Beyond his storied career, Dick is known for his generosity within the Malibu community. Throughout the challenging times of the pandemic, the Kennedy Center Honoree frequently visited the Malibu Community Labor Exchange, handing out cash to job seekers who lined up outside.
"This isn’t the first time Dick has handed out cash to those in need," a close friend of the Hollywood icon told Closer in 2021. "He’s a generous man who feels fortunate to be where he is today. It’s not about publicity; he genuinely wants to help."
From 'The Masked Singer' to 'Mary Poppins'
Just weeks before the accident, Dick made headlines as the oldest contestant ever to appear on The Masked Singer. Appearing as Gnome, he delivered a heartfelt performance of Billie Holiday's "When You're Smiling." Although he was eliminated after his first appearance, the judges were visibly moved upon his unmasking.
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Dick reflected on the emotional connection he feels with fans of all ages. "We’re on our third generation, and I love that kids are just discovering those movies now," he told Entertainment Weekly during a February 15 interview. "And it’s great to be on a third generation."
